Author Topic: Jack Elam dies at 83 (Read 392 times)

milnko · « **on:** October 25, 2003, 09:56:33 AM »

http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Movies/10/22/obit.elam.ap/index.html

Jack Elam, a character actor and favorite Western villain who menaced good-guy cowboys with his crazy grin, wild eyes and remorseless gunslinging in films such as "Rawhide" and "Wichita," has died.

Quote

"In the old days, Rory Calhoun was the hero because he was the hero and I was the heavy because I was the heavy -- and nobody cared what my problem was. And I didn't either," he added. "I robbed the bank because I wanted the money ... I've played all kinds of weirdos but I've never done the quiet, sick type. I never had a problem -- other than the fact I was just bad." -Jack Elam 1977

Udie · « **Reply #1 on:** October 25, 2003, 10:03:27 AM »

ahhh man that sux. I'll never forget him in Cannonball Run playing that drunk doctor.

Shuckins · « **Reply #2 on:** October 25, 2003, 10:48:00 AM »

Great character actor. We don't see his kind any more. A sad loss for the entertainment world.

Shuckins

Bonden · « **Reply #3 on:** October 25, 2003, 12:33:36 PM »

He was great in Cannonball Run - those eyes

~~Jack~~

midnight Target · « **Reply #4 on:** October 25, 2003, 12:44:07 PM »

My Dad met and had drinks with Jack Elam back in the 60's while putting up the first microwave repeater stations across the west. I guess they were shooting a movie in the area. Dad always said that Mr. Elam was both the nicest and the ugliest man he ever met.

Shuckins · « **Reply #5 on:** October 25, 2003, 02:26:59 PM »

MT,

It seems to me that modern Hollywood is reluctant to put anyone on screen these days unless they have flawless, porcelain features. Jack Elam was living proof that the "beautiful" have no monopoly on talent.

Regards, Shuckins

rpm · « **Reply #6 on:** October 25, 2003, 06:11:50 PM »

Jack Elam was definitely a talented actor. Cold blooded killer, town drunk, lovable old cuss, and faithful sidekick....he could play them all and make you believe every role. He will be missed.

Blooz · « **Reply #7 on:** October 26, 2003, 04:00:58 AM »

I liked him best in "Rio Lobo" with John Wayne and "Support your local sheriff" and "Support your local gunslinger" with James Garner.

What a nut!
He was great!

blkmgc · « **Reply #8 on:** October 26, 2003, 07:24:14 AM »

Thats sad. He was a great actor, and will be missed for sure.

blkmgc

Maverick · « **Reply #9 on:** October 26, 2003, 06:23:44 PM »

I enjoyed his work in sseveral of the "old" films. He did a great job.

This quote from him is sig material.

"I never had a problem -- other than the fact I was just bad."

Farewell.