As a devoted fan of classic cinema, I can confidently say that “Escape from Alcatraz” is one of those timeless masterpieces that never fails to impress. The fact that it’s based on real events makes it even more captivating. It’s truly astounding to realize that some of the main actors who graced our screens with their performances in this iconic movie are still alive and kicking!
Among Clint Eastwood’s most remarkable films is “Escape from Alcatraz,” a film that truly shines in the prison break genre, given its basis on actual events. This movie, both applauded by critics and financially successful, offers an account of the 1963 escape from Alcatraz Island, as experienced by Frank Morris (portrayed by Eastwood), John Anglin (Fred Ward’s role), and Clarence Anglin (Jack Thibeau).
1979’s film “Escape from Alcatraz” is an older production, and sadly, many of its original cast members have since passed away. However, there are some key actors from this movie who are remarkably still among us. Here’s a glimpse at the living main actors from “Escape from Alcatraz.
Clint Eastwood (Frank Morris)
Clint Eastwood stands out as the most prominent figure in the film “Escape from Alcatraz.” He’s still an active presence today, and over the course of his storied career, he has made significant contributions both in front of and behind the camera, earning him a place among Hollywood’s greatest legends. With a diverse body of work that spans several decades, Eastwood is responsible for some of the most enduring classics in cinema history. While he didn’t direct “Escape from Alcatraz,” his portrayal of Frank Morris, the mastermind behind the prison escape, plays a significant role in the film’s lasting appeal and memorable scenes.
Eastwood’s film career is so prolific that listing his accomplishments and accolades could make up an entire book. At the Oscars alone, he’s won two best picture Academy Awards and two best director trophies. In 1995, he also won the special Irwin G. Thalberg Memorial Award Oscar, which is only awarded to filmmakers whose greatness is consistent.
Apart from the excellence of his work, it’s astounding how long Eastwood has been active in the industry. He began his acting journey back in the mid-1950s and is still going strong well into his nineties. Remarkably, he directed and starred in “Cry Macho” at the age of 91 in 2021.
Larry Hankin (Charley Butts)
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but appreciate Larry Hankin’s portrayal of Charley Butts in “Escape from Alcatraz.” Although the character of the timid convict who ultimately decides against joining the daring escape attempt is captivating, it’s not the role that immediately comes to mind when recalling Hankin’s illustrious career. That’s because his acting repertoire is so expansive and versatile that there seems to be a perfect Larry Hankin character for every moviegoer out there.
If you enjoy sitcoms, you might recognize him as the constantly grumpy character Mr. Heckles in “Friends.” For those who prefer prestige dramas, he’s known as Old Joe from “Breaking Bad” and “El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie,” and as the elderly assassin Stovka on “Barry.” In addition, he has appeared in guest roles on various shows such as “C.S.I.,” “Monk,” “My Name Is Earl,” and “E.R.,”, among others. He portrayed Tom Pepper on “Seinfeld.
Despite Hankin having a long career, acting wasn’t his true passion as he admitted in a 2023 interview with Cracked. “I never yearned to become an actor,” he stated. “To this day, I still don’t. I can act, and it offers substantial income. However, when I observed other actors on set, I didn’t resonate with them. I didn’t feel a desire to be an actor. If I landed a role through auditions, it was simply for the paycheck, enabling me to create my own short films and paintings.
Jack Thibeau (Clarence Anglin)
Among the two Anglin brothers who made the daring escape alongside Frank Morris, portrayed by Eastwood, is Clarence, played by Jack Thibeau. Although this role is undeniably one of his most renowned, Thibeau has been involved in numerous other projects throughout his career. In 1986, he took on the role of Trooper Prestone in the Rutger Hauer thriller “The Hitcher.” The following year, he starred as Detective McCaskey in the iconic buddy cop movie, “Lethal Weapon.” Interestingly enough, this switched roles between him and Danny Glover, who is known for his leading role in “Lethal Weapon” as Roger Murtaugh. While Glover had a minor part as a prisoner in “Escape from Alcatraz,” Thibeau now played a supporting character in one of Glover’s most famous films.
In the realm of gaming, I rolled my dice until the roaring ’90s. One of my iconic late-game characters was the gangster Bugsy Malone, which I brought to life in the gritty period drama “The Untouchables,” where I graced six episodes. As for my swan song, it was a brief appearance on the small screen in the TV series “Fallen Angels” in ’95.
Sadly, Fred Ward, the actor known for his roles as a member of the trio and Clarence’s brother John Anglin in some films, has passed away. Known for his performances in “Escape from Alcatraz” and “Tremors”, Ward died at the age of 79 in 2022.
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2024-09-21 21:00