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The face and voice we all love, Richard Farnsworth has died.
Father Geek here with the sad news that Dick Farnsworth a much honored actor and longtime stunt man has died... Yes... I said stunt man. Farnsworth was a stuntman in 1937's A DAY AT THE RACES and 38's ADVENTURES OF MARCO POLO, as well as in Howard Hughes' THE OUTLAW and Howard Hawks' RED RIVER. He also did stunts in the grand daddy of all "Biker" flicks THE WILD ONE back in 1954, and then in Kubrick's epic SPARTACUS in 1960. In his long stunt career he doubled the likes of Gary Cooper, Montgomery Clift, Clark Gable, Walter Huston, Roy Rogers, and Kirk Douglas, to name but a few.
I could go on forever about this "Overnight Star" whose career spread over 6 decades; about this "Country Boy" who was born in and lived the great bulk of his life in Los Angeles; about this "One-Dimensional Talent" who played unforgettable characters ranging from Sheriffs & Outlaws to Judges & Millionaires, from Ball players & Indians to Thugs & Professors, and of course Not-So-Simple Farmers; about this "Unknown Actor" who was honored by the Academy Awards twice, the Golden Globes 3 times, the Chicago Film Critics Asso., The Genie Awards, The Golden Satellite Awards, The Independant Spirit Awards, the National Board of Review, the National Society of Film Critics, the New York Critics Circle, and on and on. But the man who punched, crashed, and rode hell-bent-for-leather to the top levels of Hollywood has a hometown newspaper in Lincoln New Mexico that does it best...
Friday October 6 11:55 PM ET
Actor Richard Farnsworth Dies
Friday October 6 11:55 PM ET
Actor Richard Farnsworth Dies
LINCOLN, N.M. (AP) - Actor Richard Farnsworth, a former stuntman and two-time Academy Award nominee, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound Friday night. He was 80.
Farnsworth, who had been involved in filmmaking for more than 60 years, was nominated this year for an Oscar for best actor for his performance in ``The Straight Story''
Lincoln County Sheriff Tom Sullivan released a statement Friday night saying Farnsworth died at his home in Lincoln, about 250 miles southeast of Albuquerque. Police did not release any further details, but Farnsworth's fiancee, Jewely Van Valin, was at home when he died.
``I was just in the other room and I heard the shot,'' she said in a telephone interview from Farnsworth's home. ``He was incredible pain today. He was going down hill.''
Van Valin said Farnsworth was diagnosed several years ago with terminal cancer, which had left him partially paralyzed. He struggled with the pain while he was working on ``The Straight Story,'' she said.
``He was very ill in that movie, but phenomenally he made it through. He didn't want the world to know he was sick,'' Van Valin said.
``He couldn't fight it, and cancer got him.''
Farnsworth had said the heart of his performance in ``The Straight Story,'' came from his respect for Alvin Straight, the real-life person on whom his portrayal of a 73-year-old man who rode a tractor across the country was based.
``I admired him very much and tried to be as much like his character as I could, talked to two of his boys, who are now truck drivers, and we filmed along his actual route. Every time we stopped somewhere, people would come by and say, 'Heck, I remember when old Alvin came through,' and tell us about it,'' he told The Associated Press last March.
At 79, Farnsworth was the oldest leading actor to receive an Oscar bid. ``Titanic'' star Gloria Stuart was the oldest performer ever nominated when she was nominated for supporting actress at 87.
``It feels a lot better because I'm getting up there in age and might not have a chance again,'' he said in an interview after he was nominated in February.
The Oscar went to Kevin Spacey, who won for his portrayal of a suburban father in ``American Beauty.''
It was the second nomination for Farnsworth, who was nominated for the 1978 film ``Comes a Horseman.'' Henry Fonda had been the oldest leading actor when he was nominated at 76 for his role in ``On Golden Pond.''
Farnsworth was a poor student who dropped out of school during the Depression at age 15 and went to work as a stable boy at a polo barn.
Two years later, in 1937, two men from the Paramount studio came by looking for ponies and mentioned they needed someone who could ride horses on film. Farnsworth took the job, which paid $7 a day, about what he had been making per week.
The Los Angeles native was a stuntman for more than 30 years who moved into acting at age 57, appearing in ``The Grey Fox'' ``The Natural'' ``Tom Horn,'' ``Resurrection,'' ``Rhinestone Cowboy'' and ``Anne of Green Gables.''
His 50-year-old son, Diamond Farnsworth, followed in his footsteps and has become a top stuntman, doubling for Sylvester Stallone in the first two ``Rambo'' movies.
Since his appearance in ``Comes a Horseman,'' Farnsworth has acted in nearly three dozen films and TV movies.
In 1990, Farnsworth moved out of his home of 40 years in the Hollywood Hills and came to the outskirts of Lincoln, a town of 565 in the foothills of two mountain ranges that is known for Billy the Kid's famous escape.
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It is sad that another link to the Golden age of Hollywood has died and in such a sad manner. I offer my respects to the man's friends and Family in this sad time. To risk your life in an effort to entertain others is a nobel and Distinguist career, one worth a note in the History of the Film Industry.
A Sad Day for us all. -
I remember Richard as the kind brother to the character the late Colleen Dewhurst played in Anne Of Green Gables. He played Matthew, Colleen played Merila and Megan Follows played Anne the orphan the two adopted. Richard has an easy sincerity about him and his character was an easy one to like. He was part of a class ensemble of a great film. I was glad to see him in recent years after all this time still acting. I'm sad to see him go. Peace my friend.
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Even if the movie was nothing to write home about, you could always count on a certain degree of greatness when you saw Richard Fansworth's name in the title. I don't think we could possibly ask for a more heartfelt closing to his career than "The Straight Story".
He will be missed. -
Some people may be disturbed by the way he died, but if I was in his position I would hope to have the same courage to end his own growing suffering. Also, I don't think of his work as 'history' because he made outstanding performances right up to the amazing "THE STRAIGHT STORY". To think of what he was going through when filming that makes his acting even more astounding. I recommend you check out his other films like THE GREY FOX and COMES A HORSEMAN as being serious westerns which are hardly ever made now.
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I loved him as Red in the Natural.
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I loved Richard Farsworth in "The Straight Story" and am very sorry to hear that he passed way. Just for the record, he deserved that Oscar just as much as Kevin Spacey of "American Beauty" infamy, but I digress, let's not be negative here. After viewing "Straight Story" I was compelled to learn more about Farnsworth and the historical figure he portrayed, but I'm sorry to say that it took the man's death for me to actually follow through with that compulsion. It was wonderful that a movie could revolve around a senior citizen and his world, as opposed to all the youth-oriented claptrap that is in vogue today. Mr. Farnsworth, you will be missed, and I'm sure the hearts of all AICN readers go out to your friends and family at this time.
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It was always a pleasure to see Richard Farnsworth pop up in movies--as soon as he would come on screen, he immediately made the movie that much better. Some of my favorite Richard Farnsworth movies were "Into the Night" (he was Michelle Pfeiffer's "friend" Jack), "The Grey Fox" (he was an gentlemanly bank robber at the turn of the century), "Misery" (he was the sheriff that eventually figured out the Kathy Bates craziness), and of course, "The Straight Story". Richard Farnsworth brought class and depth to every role he played. We'll all miss him.
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I just watched Misery again the other day and was thinking of what a good actor he is/was. He died of a gunshot in that movie too, which is kind of creepy (although cancer was the real killer). Anyway, it's nice to see that he went out on top with an Oscar nomination for his last performance...
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It's really insane what the Academy does sometimes. Dick Farnsworth should have won that Oscar for "Straight Story", flat out. Mr. Spacey will no doubt have the chance to come back year after year for future nominations in his relatively young career (a la Tom Hanks). The Academy could should have shown more sense and given the much deserved award to Farnsworth, so he could have closed out his career with a nice bit of acknowledgement. That's my little .02 of bitterness, sorry. Richard, be well and content in your future travels.
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I don't know his history past The Straight Story, but his performance in Lynch's masterpiece was one of the best I have ever seen. He brought heart, soul, and gut wrenching, real emotion to a great role. We'll miss you Richard.
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Richard Farnsworth was and is to me a type of angel. When I saw "The Straight Story" I was at a very low point in my life, and his performance actually re-affirmed my faith in humanity. I honestly don't know what I would have done had I not had someone to pull me out of that gloom. That's something I cannot say about any other performance. It's obvious to say that the Oscar was his (and I'm sure even Kevin Spacey is feeling a little guilty right now), but I don't need an award to tell me he was the best actor, last year, or in any year to come. True, the way in which he died will hang an added cloud of sadness over his life, but I like to think that he wanted us to have something fond to remember him by, and he chose not to end his suffering until he had given us one last gift. And what a marvelous gift his portrayal as Alvin Straight was. Richard Farnsworth, you truly will live on, in your films, and in our hearts.
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Mr. Farnsworth will always be thought of by me as someone who brought an uncanny amount of humanity to whatever role he played. His performance in "Anne of Green Gables" and "The Natural" are two of my all-time favorites, and will continue to be a testament to his talent and ability. He was an actor who brought me great enjoyment and happiness many a day. -
I think back to when I saw The Straight Story and thought "just give this man his academy award now" Unfortunately it didn't happen. You see THAT was acting. We have just not seen enough of him and now it's too late.
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Sorry to be sentimental but just reading the headings of everyone's talkbacks on this subject makes me a proud AICN geek. People here know when a subject deserves respect and a person is deserving of our worship and respect and Farnsworth is definitely one of those guys. He was one of the greats and the sad news that he was dying of cancer during the Straight Story will definitely add a layer to future viewings of that great film. I loved that guy.
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before i saw the natural, i can't say that i had ever seen anyone seem so -- natural -- onscreen. i remember, when i first saw it, wondering "who is this guy? he must be a real sports character who turned to acting, because he's just too believable to be faking it." his authenticity and, as someone else here put it, his easy sincerity, really made him a peculiar, joyful, and exquisite addition to any cast. he was one of those actors who could walk onscreen and, simply through the sheer plainness of his open face and blue eyes, command an entire scene. you hung on his every soft, slow word. i wasn't looking forward to seeing the straight story, but when i finally rented it and stuck it in the machine, i fell into a gleeful reverie that didn't let up until the heartbreaking end. this guy was a class act dozens of his hollywood peers would do well to emulate...if they ever want to be remembered. peace out, mr. farnsworth...you always entertained us.
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So sorry that this happened. Farnsworth has always been one of my favorites. In the meantime, maybe the asswipe with the bible will get painful cancer some day, and wonder if perhaps he spoke a bit too fast.
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... and the way I look at movies. Thank you, Richard.
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Yes Richard was robbed of the Academy Award by a lackluster performance by Kevin Spacey.(at least he didn't lose to that moron Roberto Begnini) Maybe that added to his pain. Nevertheless, I think that he relieved himself of the anguish he was enduring. Hell is not a place but rather a state of mind. Richard is no longer in Hell. So long friend!
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The news of the death of one of our greatest actors has got me down. Richard Farnsworth was a great actor because he had that everyman quality. He was not a pretty boy actor, nor the leading man, not an action star, but he played his roles with an uncanny honesty that shone through any material that was presented. If you get the chance, go to Ebert's website and read the review of "The Straight Story" Ebert said it all when he noted: "Farnsworth himself has a face like an old wrinkled billfold that he paid good money for and expects to see him out" Rest in Peace Richard, we were fortunate to have you.
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I have rarely seen an actor that can captivate me through his different roles as much as Farnsworth. I mean, he's no Pacino or Spacey, but he came across as someone that would take even the smallest role and make it bigger than life.
This is a big loss to the cinematic community. -
Oct 08, 2000 12:05:31 AM CDT
This is why assisted suicide or euthanasia should be legalized a
by bari umenema
If someone is suffering terribly from the pain of cancer why should they have to shoot themselves in the head? He should've been allowed to pass with dignity befitting him with his wife by his side, but no that's still illegal in America. We put dogs out of their misery when they're old and sick by putting them to sleep but we're not allowed to do the same to fellow human beings. The real cancer is in society I'd say. Free Kevorkian! He's no murderer! Weird and strange yes but there's a method to his madness...
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What balls. What courage to determine the time, place, and method of his own death, in the face of the inevitable. This, instead of waiting for it in a hospital bed, riddled with tubes and pumped full of drugs. Sure, a lot of us would say that we'd do this, but how many really have the courage of their convictions? There aren't many like him left, if any.
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Whenever I think of Richard Farnsworth, I'll always think of one particular scene, the first time I ever took notice of Farnsworth. In "The Natural", perhaps the greatest baseball movie ever made, there is this one moment of pure perfection. The team is playing extremely well for the first time of the season and, as they frolic in the field during a practice, the two old-timer coaches (Richard Farnsworth and Wilford Brimley) sit in the dugout, whistling old songs to each other and guessing the titles. I don't know if that scene was scripted or what, but it's so perfect, so peaceful, and I always hoped that someday when I get old I'll be able to sit on a bench with my oldest friend on a sunny day and be able to shoot the breeze the way those two did. It's a perfect image of baseball, a perfect image of old age, and Farnsworth plays it so effortlessly. The Straight Story was one of the greatest films of last year, but I knew of Farnsworth's talent long before then based solely on that one scene. He was a great man, and I respect him for dying the way he wanted to. Rest in Peace, Richard Farnsworth, and thank you for that moment, among others...
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We will not forget you Richard. Say hello to Alvin up there. Rest in peace.
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and i'm still not able to keep from crying when I think about this. i watched anne of anovlea about a thousand times growing up, but mr farnsworth came to my attention as a leading actor from, yeah, his performance in the straight story. I'm glad i've got an academy screener copy. the dvd comes out soon, for you who like me can't live in a world where your forced to watch pan & scan. i'm rambling like jimmy gator, so i'll go. but... I wanted him to have a long post-"straight story" career and I think the acting community has lost a screen star who brought a unique portrayl of the elderly to us all.
He's on a horse somewhere, I know it. -
Farnsworth's performance in 'The Straight Story' was one of the most profoundly moving & genuine performances i have EVER seen in cinema - it is a credit to the depth of talent and the loving soul of this man - it is truly saddening to hear of his passing.
A true gentleman, he will be missed .
RIP
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What can say but goodbye to Richard Farnsworth, and that his work will always be appreciated. Some one wrote that they were feeling depressed and 'The Straight Story' ended that. Me too. It was my senior year in high school last january and I was feeling down. Real down. Then I saw the Straight Story. Its hard to imagine a movie now a days that doesnt have killing and people being hateful to each other. When you think about, in the Straight Story, theres not one bad character. Farnsworths performance was the key to the movie. I mean, the ending, is just so perfect. Alvin doesnt need to say anything, all he needs to say "Yead, I did" and then you understand. I was in the front row, and waiting for a couple minutes during the credits for everyone to clear out, and then I started walking out and saw that the majority of everone else was still in their seats still sitting there. Now thats a movie. I wanted Richar to win, 1-he deserved it 2-more people could see the movie and his performance, Goodbye old partner, looking forward to watching Straight Story again, You wont be forgotten.
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Farnsworth's passing WAS due to illness: the pain of cancer. DO NOT besmirch our memories of this man. Along with his talent, his courage in this choice is what should be remebered.
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I like you! and you're quick.
Love,
Shithead -
Oct 08, 2000 3:31:20 PM CDT
I go on holiday, and I come back to read about this? It's just
by miracleman
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I'm only really familiar with his performances in MISERY and THE STRAIGHT STORY- but the latter alone assures him a place in movie history. It is a terrible shame that he died, though I can respect his decision. God bless his soul.
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RF was one of the best actors I've seen on film or onstage, and The Straight Story was not only the best Lynch film ever made, it was also by far the best movie of the 90s and one of the greatest films ever made, imo. Thank you, Richard--you'll be sorely missed.
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Forgive my paraphrasing of one of his best lines from Misery. I always enjoyed Mr. Farnsworth's acting and am sorry he is gone. I never got around to seeing him in The Straight Story, by the way anyone know when it comes out on dvd, I think I'd like to own probably his best role ever...
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There have been two performances in the past decade that deserved the Oscar for Best Actor and didn't win. The first was Robert Duvall in "The Apostle." The other was Mr. Farnsworth in "The Straight Story." He was an actor who you never caught acting. He was simply the person he portrayed. God bless you.
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Was Richard Fairnsworth in a couple of scenes with Michelle Pfeiffer in Into The Night??
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The scene in THE STRAIGHT STORY where Alvin Straight and another old-timer recall the horrors of World War II over some beers just rips my heart from its moorings. David Lynch and Richard Farnsworth were never better, not to mention the other superb actor (whose name escapes me) tearfully lamenting the loss of his "buddies" in the scene. If you haven't rented this film, do so. Gentle passage, Richard.
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Very sad news indeed. I have always enjoyed his performances for the reasons so many of you have stated already. I guess number 1 is that he always seemed so genuine. He was always a pleasure to watch. BTW, for your answer loweylondon, read the 3rd post from Barrymore. He'll fill you in.
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Dutch beat me to the punch with his post about the dugout scene in the Natural. Besides being the greatest sports movie ever, it had a great cast, and Farnsworth was the unsung hero. What a gifted actor he was. Another great scene with him in that movie was when he has dinner with Roy Hobbs(Redford) in the beginning, and they talk about pop and all his troubles. I love it when he says about their meal -- " I don't know how to pronounce it, but it eats pretty good". He will be missed.
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Mr. Farnsworth for me was the old man you wish you knew. His performance in Anne of Green Gables to me was his best performance. His role of Matthew Cuthbert was in my mind not played for the benefit of his role, but to the great benefit of the entire production. Who can ever forget his performance in The Natural, or his recent Cancer- defying role in The Straight Story. A little Gem of a role was taken in the Sylvester Stallone shambles Rhynestone. Mr. farnsworth's scene where he tries to teach Stallone to sing, " son, if you keep that up... your'e gonna hurt yourself " is priceless. To all his family, Peace and Healing, To all his friends here and around the world, When Richard is remembered in next years Oscar Memoriam raise a glass to an old much missed friend, bless his memory.
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