It seems like fans have endured even more loss than usual in recent weeks, as several major stars have passed away. However, one of the biggest losses to entertainment may be the death of Kris Kristofferson. He was both a successful singer and actor and even great talents like Martin Scorsese are feeling his loss.
Scorsese directed Kristofferson in Alice doesn't live here anymorein 1974. The film about a window trying to find a new life would be nominated for three Oscars, and win Best Actress for star Ellen Burstyn. Kristofferson would appear as Burstyn's love interest. In a statement (via IndieWire), Scorsese called the actor “remarkable” as a screen presence, saying…
Right now I'm on a small boat between Ustica and Palermo, listening to 'Me and Bobby McGee' and remembering Kris Kristofferson. Like half the world. I was lucky to work with Kris. He was a poet. Really. Inside and out. And a damn good actor, a remarkable screen presence.
Kristofferson initially made a name for himself as a songwriter. He was nominated for a Grammy in 1970 for Song of the Year for “Me and Bobby McGee.” He recorded the song himself, but Janis Joplin would perform the most famous version.
Starting in 1972, Kristofferson, who had already won awards in the field of country music, devoted himself largely to acting. He would become one of the most successful country artists turned actors. Following his work with Scorsese, Kristofferson would appear with Barbra Streisand in the 1976 remake of a star is born for which he would win a Golden Globe. In 1984 he was nominated for an Oscar for the film's music. Songwriter. Kristofferson was also in the running for another major film from a high-profile director. He was Stanley Kubrick's second choice for the lead role in the glow.
Listening to Scorsese talk about Kristofferson, it is clear that the production of Alice doesn't live here anymore It was a special experience for everyone involved. The cast included Burstyn, Diane Ladd and Jodie Foster, two years before she worked with Scorsese on Taxi driver. Kristofferson may have been fairly new to acting at the time, but he clearly understood what his director wanted from him and Scorsese was impressed. Continuous…
Spending time with Kris when we did 'Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore' was one of the best moments of my life. What a sweet, warm family spirit we all shared in that photo: Ellen Burstyn, Diane Ladd, Alfred Lutter and Jodie Foster, both so young, and Kris. His presence… the voice, the cold and benign demeanor, the way he moved… On screen or in person, he brought everything of himself. He brought a lot of heart and humor to his character and to all of our days filming in Tucson. What a beautiful human being. What a great artist.
When the director of great films like Martin Scorsese calls you a “great artist”, it is evident that you have done something right. Both music and film lost an immense talent with the passing of Kris Kristofferson. At least we have his work, both his songs and his films, to remind us what a great artist he really was.