Martin Scorsese Remembers Working With Kris Kristofferson Years Before His Death: ‘A D–n Good Actor’

Martin Scorsese Remembers Working With Kris Kristofferson Years Before His Death: ‘A D–n Good Actor’

As a gamer who’s spent countless hours immersed in the world of movies and music, losing Kris Kristofferson feels like a level boss I didn’t see coming. His talent was a rare gem, a perfect blend of raw emotion and poetic depth that resonated with millions.


Lately, it seems fans have experienced an unusually high number of celebrity passings in the past few weeks. Among these departures, the loss of Kris Kristofferson stands out significantly within the entertainment industry. Not only was he a renowned singer, but also an accomplished actor. In fact, even acclaimed figures like Martin Scorsese are deeply affected by his demise.

Martin Scorsese helmed Johnny Kristofferson in “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,” which was released in 1974. This film, revolving around a window embarking on a fresh journey, would secure three Oscar nominations and earn Ellen Burstyn the Best Actress award for her stellar performance. Kristofferson portrayed Burstyn’s romantic interest. In a comment to IndieWire, Scorsese praised Kristofferson’s screen presence as “remarkable.

At the moment, I find myself on a small vessel sailing between Ustica and Palermo, grooving to ‘Me and Bobby McGee,’ reminiscing about Kris Kristofferson. It seems many share this nostalgia with me, as he’s touched the hearts of half the world. Fortunate as I was to collaborate with him, Kris was not just a poet in words but in essence – truly so. Moreover, he was an exceptional actor, possessing an unparalleled screen presence.

Initially, Kristofferson gained recognition primarily as a songwriter. In 1970, he was recognized by the Grammy Awards for Song of the Year for “Me and Bobby McGee.” Although he recorded this song himself, it is Janis Joplin’s rendition that has become the most well-known version.

From 1972 onwards, Kristofferson, who had previously triumphed in country music, made a significant move towards acting and eventually established himself as one of the most accomplished actors to emerge from country music. His collaboration with Scorsese led to him sharing the screen with Barbra Streisand in the 1976 version of A Star is Born, for which he received a Golden Globe award. In 1984, he was nominated for an Oscar for his work on the film’s score, Songwriter. Additionally, Kristofferson came close to starring in another prestigious film directed by a renowned director; Stanley Kubrick considered him as a potential lead for The Shining.

Hearing Scorsese discuss Kristofferson, it’s evident that the making of “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” was a unique and memorable journey for everyone involved. The team consisted of Burstyn, Diane Ladd, and Jodie Foster, who would later collaborate with Scorsese on “Taxi Driver” just two years later. At the time, Kristofferson might not have had much acting experience, but he seemed to grasp precisely what his director was aiming for, which left an impression on Scorsese. He went on…

Working alongside Kris during the creation of ‘Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore’ was an unforgettable experience that truly enriched my life. The tender, welcoming atmosphere we all cultivated on set – Ellen Burstyn, Diane Ladd, Alfred Lutter, Jodie Foster (both so young back then), and Kris – was simply magical. On screen or in person, Kris embodied his character completely. He poured his heart and humor into every scene we filmed in Tucson. He was a beautiful soul, a brilliant artist, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have shared that time with him.

When a renowned director such as Martin Scorsese labels you a “tremendous artist,” it’s evident that you’ve achieved something remarkable. The loss of Kris Kristofferson, an artist of immense talent in both music and film, has left a significant void. Thankfully, his body of work – his songs and films – serves as a lasting testament to the great artist he was.

Read More

Sorry. No data so far.

2024-10-01 18:37