Actor Ben Gazzara dies of Pancreatic Cancer at 81
02-03-12, 06:13 PM
#1
DVD Talk Hero
Thread Starter
Actor Ben Gazzara dies of Pancreatic Cancer at 81
from The wrap
Ben Gazzara died Friday of pancreatic cancer, the New York Times reported.
The star of award films and plays such as "Anatomy of a Murder" and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" was 81 years old.
Gazzara employed his distinctive, gravel-specked voice and powerful stare most memorably in a series of film collaborations with the director John Cassavetes.
For the maverick director, Gazzara played a collection of bitter spouses and down-on-their heels gamblers and theater directors in films such as "The Killing of a Chinese Bookie" and "Opening Night."
Like Peter Falk, his co-star in Cassavetes' "Husbands," Gazzara was was perfect for director's signature examinations of bruised men who struggle to articulate and come to grips with their emotions, fears and hopes in a rapidly changing world.
Among his other notable film roles were an accused rapist in "Anatomy of a Murder" (1959), the smooth-talking pornographer Jackie Treehorn in the Coen Brothers' "The Big Lebowski" (1998), and a grandfather separating from his wife of 40 years in Todd Solondz's "Happiness"(1998).
Also the bad guy in the classic Road House
Ben Gazzara died Friday of pancreatic cancer, the New York Times reported.
The star of award films and plays such as "Anatomy of a Murder" and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" was 81 years old.
Gazzara employed his distinctive, gravel-specked voice and powerful stare most memorably in a series of film collaborations with the director John Cassavetes.
For the maverick director, Gazzara played a collection of bitter spouses and down-on-their heels gamblers and theater directors in films such as "The Killing of a Chinese Bookie" and "Opening Night."
Like Peter Falk, his co-star in Cassavetes' "Husbands," Gazzara was was perfect for director's signature examinations of bruised men who struggle to articulate and come to grips with their emotions, fears and hopes in a rapidly changing world.
Among his other notable film roles were an accused rapist in "Anatomy of a Murder" (1959), the smooth-talking pornographer Jackie Treehorn in the Coen Brothers' "The Big Lebowski" (1998), and a grandfather separating from his wife of 40 years in Todd Solondz's "Happiness"(1998).
Also the bad guy in the classic Road House
02-03-12, 06:40 PM
#4
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Actor Ben Gazzara dies of Pancreatic Cancer at 81
My favorite performance by Gazzara was as Jocko in The Strange One, his first film...a really scintilating debut.
RIP
RIP
02-03-12, 07:06 PM
#8
02-03-12, 07:59 PM
#9
DVD Talk Ultimate Edition
Re: Actor Ben Gazzara dies of Pancreatic Cancer at 81
I haven't seen much of his work but I know for sure that he was great in both Buffalo '66 and The Killing of a Chinese Bookie.
RIP
RIP
02-03-12, 08:09 PM
#10
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Actor Ben Gazzara dies of Pancreatic Cancer at 81
RIP Brad Wesley
02-03-12, 08:34 PM
#14
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: Actor Ben Gazzara dies of Pancreatic Cancer at 81
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Last edited by MrSmearkase; 02-03-12 at 09:21 PM.
02-03-12, 11:51 PM
#18
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Actor Ben Gazzara dies of Pancreatic Cancer at 81
Loved his work with Cassavetes. He was also great in 'An Early Frost'
Too bad he'll be remembered by many for the crappy Swayze film Road House.
Too bad he'll be remembered by many for the crappy Swayze film Road House.
02-04-12, 12:51 AM
#19
DVD Talk Special Edition
Re: Actor Ben Gazzara dies of Pancreatic Cancer at 81
Wow, huge coincidence - was just watching The Big Lebowski tonight with a group of friends and wondering whether Ben Gazzara was still alive. Sad to hear. He was a fantastic actor, great in all those Cassavetes films and many others. The first thing I ever saw him in was reruns of Run for Your Life when I was a kid, but caught up with most of his career later on. Another of many great character actors who came from the New York stage and the early days of live TV drama.
02-04-12, 06:01 AM
#20
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
02-04-12, 08:53 AM
#21
Moderator
Re: Actor Ben Gazzara dies of Pancreatic Cancer at 81
Bummer. Like many, my first exposure (to my knowledge) was in The Big Lebowski and he was so good.
Was going to post a picture of the sketch Jackie Treehorn makes but not sure if that would be kosher, forum rule-wise.
Was going to post a picture of the sketch Jackie Treehorn makes but not sure if that would be kosher, forum rule-wise.
02-04-12, 11:48 AM
#24
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: Actor Ben Gazzara dies of Pancreatic Cancer at 81
I know Killing of a Chinese Bookie is considered one of Cassavetes lesser films, but I just love Gazzara's performance; he fully inhabits that character.
02-04-12, 02:15 PM
#25
DVD Talk Limited Edition
