Kris Kristofferson Dead At 88
Following the deaths of cinematic legends James Earl Jones and Maggie Smith, news came over the weekend that the world had lost another great. Kris Kristofferson passed away at the age of 88, with his loved ones by his side in Maui, Hawaii. At this time, no details surrounding his death have been released.
A Renaissance Man
A true renaissance man, Kris Kristofferson had plenty of talent to spare. Not only was he a chart-topping country singer-songwriter, but he was also a gifted actor. Audiences will undoubtedly recognize his face as the leading man in the 1976 classic
A Star Is Born opposite Barbara Streisand, and whether you realize it or not, you’re sure to know a tune or two penned by Kristofferson even if he wasn’t the singer.
A Songwriter And Star
While his contributions to the film industry would come later in life, Kris Kristofferson was first and foremost a country music performer, nabbing 13 Grammy nominations during his time churning out hits.
He would go on to win three of those nominations, with his song “Help Me Make It Through The Night” taking home the bragging rights of Best Country Song.
Alongside his friend and collaborator, Willie Nelson, Kristofferson would also be honored with an Academy Award nod for the pair’s musical work in Songwriter, in which both of the musicians also starred.
Hit Tunes
Of his musical hits, Kris Kristofferson will forever go down as a genius for his penmanship behind such tunes as “Me and Bobby McGee,” made famous by the late, great Janis Joplin and “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down”.
The latter was originally written and performed by Ray Stevens before Johnny Cash took it over and made it into a Billboard No. 1 hit.
Making His Way In Hollywood
With a real knack and passion for acting, Kris Kristofferson crossed the line that so many musicians have and decided to give Hollywood a try. He’d make his acting debut in Dennis Hopper’s 1971 feature, The Last Movie, proving to the world that he was a multi-talented individual.
From there, his film career really took off, landing foundational roles in movies including Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, and Vigilante Force.
All of these titles would set him up to star opposite Barbara Streisand in A Star Is Born, which would earn him the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy. Throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s, Kris Kristofferson would add more titles to his repertoire, including Stagecoach and Big Top Pee-wee.
Starring In Blade
In the ‘90s, Kris Kristofferson starred opposite the likes of Matthew McConaughey in Lone Star but will be best remembered by Marvel fans as Abraham Whistler, the vampire hunter who worked alongside Wesley Snipes’s titular character in Blade, Blade II, and Blade: Trinity. Most recently, Kristofferson worked opposite Ben Dickey and Alia Shawkat in Ethan Hawke’s biographical drama Blaze.
Remembering Kris Kristofferson
Beyond his credits in the world of entertainment, Kris Kristofferson was also a fervent activist, standing up for the rights of workers, immigrants, and farmers.
Not just one to talk the talk, Kristofferson also walked the walk, proving his allyship after Sinéad O’Connor was booed at a Bob Dylan tribute concert following her divisive appearance on Saturday Night Live.
Stepping on stage to console his fellow musician, he told her, “Don’t let the bastards get you down,” and cheered her on for her set.
At this time, our thoughts and condolences are with Kris Kristofferson’s loved ones.
Source: Deadline
