The Only Main Actors Still Alive From 1982’s Tron

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The Only Main Actors Still Alive From 1982's Tron

I’ve always been fascinated by the lives of the actors who brought the iconic world of “Tron” to life back in 1982. Their stories are as captivating and complex as the digital realm they inhabited on screen. Let me share with you some insights about one of them, Peter Jurasik, who played the enigmatic character Crom.

If you enjoy the stunning special effects in films like “Avatar” and the Marvel Universe, don’t forget to express gratitude towards the pioneering 1982 sci-fi film “Tron.” Although its computer-generated graphics may seem outdated today, “Tron” was a groundbreaking movie that demonstrated the potential of CGI, making it worthy of a devoted fan base. Starring Jeff Bridges as brilliant computer engineer Kevin Flynn, this movie tells two interconnected stories: One in the real world and another in a digital realm where Flynn battles the avatars of his adversaries. Released to widespread acclaim among audiences and critics, “Tron” was even nominated for two Academy Awards. (Interestingly, “Tron” wasn’t considered eligible for the visual effects category due to the Academy’s belief that the film had manipulated the rules by employing computers, as director Steven Lisberger shared in an interview with SFGate.)

The star of “Tron” is famous for its groundbreaking CGI effects, yet there were numerous skilled actors who acted in the movie, bravely dealing with the challenges that came with a novel special effects technology. Regrettably, some of these performers have since departed, but we’re fortunate to still have key cast members like Bridges, Bruce Boxleitner, Dan Shor, Peter Jurasik, and Stuart Thomas with us today.

Jeff Bridges (Kevin Flynn/Clu)

The Only Main Actors Still Alive From 1982's Tron

Among the cast of “Tron,” Jeff Bridges is the most recognized face for modern viewers. He made a big splash in Hollywood back in the early ’70s with standout roles in films like “The Last Picture Show,” which netted him his first Academy Award nod for Best Supporting Actor at just 28 years old; “The Last American Hero”; and “Thunderbolt and Lightfoot” (earning him a second Oscar nomination). Bridges continued to act throughout the ’80s, featuring in “Starman” and “The Fabulous Baker Boys.” However, it was his portrayal of The Dude in “The Big Lebowski” (a cult classic from the ’90s) that cemented his status as an icon.

During his professional journey, he has been nominated for the Academy Award a total of seven times, securing a win in 2010 for portraying a troubled country singer battling alcohol addiction in “Crazy Heart.” Throughout the past decade, he remained busy with numerous projects including “True Grit,” “The Giver,” “Hell or High Water,” and “Kingsman: The Golden Circle.” In 2010, he returned to the role of Kevin Flynn for “Tron: Legacy,” with plans to reprise the character again in 2025 for the upcoming sequel “Tron: Ares.”

Bruce Boxleitner (Alan Bradley/Tron)

The Only Main Actors Still Alive From 1982's Tron

Bruce Boxleitner is mainly recognized for his role as the digital character Tron in the movie “Tron,” even though he was a computer programmer at ENCOM in real life. Before “Tron,” Boxleitner had already worked in the entertainment industry since the 1970s, with appearances in films like “How the West Was Won” and television shows such as “The Gambler” starring Kenny Rogers. He also gained recognition for his portrayal of Captain John Sheridan in “Babylon 5” and President Phillip Baker in “Supergirl.” Boxleitner’s versatility expanded beyond acting, as he wrote two novels titled “Tron: Ghost in the Machine” (1999) and “Tron: Becoming Human” (2001).

Boxleitner has continued to be involved in the “Tron” universe post-release, featuring in the 2010 sequel and the animated series “Tron: Uprising”. However, he has no intention of joining any more “Tron” projects. In a 2015 interview with Slashfilm, he expressed, “I’ve had enough. I’ve shifted gears. The experience with ‘Tron’ was unpredictable for me, and I don’t wish to retrace my career path again.”

Dan Shor (Roy Kleinberg/Ram)

The Only Main Actors Still Alive From 1982's Tron

Dan Shor, portrayed by Ram, is yet another charming robotic companion that accompanies Clu on his journey. While Shor started acting in the late 1970s, his career truly gained momentum during the 1980s. He not only secured a significant part in “Tron,” but also appeared in twenty episodes of “Cagney & Lacey” and took on the role of Billy the Kid in “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure.”

In the years since, he has become known as a seasoned actor who frequently appears in your favorite TV shows. His resume includes roles in “Thirtysomething,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” “Star Trek: Voyager,” “The X-Files,” “Blue Bloods,” “Jessica Jones,” and “The Blacklist.” Shor, however, is not limited to acting; he has also worked as a director in LA theaters and penned two screenplays. His debut as a director came in 2007 with “State of Liberty – Chapter One: Looking for America.”)

Peter Jurasik (Crom)

The Only Main Actors Still Alive From 1982's Tron

Peter Jurasik is best known for portraying Crom in “Tron.” However, this may not be what most people recognize him from. He has made numerous appearances on various television shows during the 1980s, such as “Barney Miller,” “M*A*S*H,” “Family Ties,” “Fame,” and “Remington Steele.” These are merely a few of his recurring roles in that decade. Jurasik didn’t only appear in minor parts, though. He had a significant run on “Hill Street Blues,” with 25 episodes featuring his character Sid the Snitch. His career truly took off when he assumed the role of Londo Mollari, a powerful Centauri politician, in “Babylon 5.” This performance gained him a massive following among science fiction enthusiasts, alongside Bruce Boxleitner, his co-star from “Tron.”

Jurasik is primarily recognized for his television roles, but he has also left a significant impression in cinema. He featured in movies such as “Problem Child” and “Runaway Jury”. His latest project was lending his voice to the 2023 production of “Babylon 5: The Road Home”. Before that, he portrayed U.S. Senator Judah P. Benjamin on an episode of PBS’s “Mercy Street”.

Stuart Thomas (Peter)

The Only Main Actors Still Alive From 1982's Tron

In contrast to several other characters in “Tron’s” digital universe, Peter doesn’t side with Kevin Flynn’s enemy, Clu, portrayed by many. Instead, he works for David Warner’s antagonistic character. Though his part is minor, Stuart Thomas effectively utilizes his limited screen presence. For more of Thomas’ acting, under the name Tony Stephano, you might be disappointed as his Hollywood appearances were quite rare and sporadic. After starting off in modeling, he had an inconsistent career in Hollywood.

Thomas made an appearance in just three films throughout his four-decade long acting career: “Tron,” “The Reincarnation of Peter Proud,” and “Bristol Boys.” Unfortunately, details about Thomas’ life beyond his short filmography are scarce. Notably, he didn’t reprise his role for any other installments or adaptations in the “Tron” franchise, leaving many questions about him as one of the enigmatic figures in the “Tron” cinematic universe.

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2024-07-22 16:31