Frederic Forrest, a resilient character actor known for his roles in films like Apocalypse Now and The Rose, has passed away at the age of 86. He died on Friday at his home in Santa Monica after a long illness. Forrest’s friend, actor Barry Primus, confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter.
Forrest’s career spanned several decades and included a variety of memorable performances. In addition to his roles in Apocalypse Now and The Rose, he appeared in films such as The Conversation, Tucker: The Man and His Dream, The Missouri Breaks, and Valley Girl. He also made appearances in television shows like 21 Jump Street and Lonesome Dove.
Despite his extensive body of work, Forrest was rarely cast as a leading man. However, he was able to make a lasting impact with his versatile performances. He received critical acclaim for his portrayal of the title character in the 1974 CBS telefilm Larry, which told the true story of a man with average intelligence who was wrongly institutionalized.
In a 1979 profile for The New York Times, Forrest expressed his perspective on his career and the unpredictability of the entertainment industry. “This is a fickle town, no rhyme or reason to it. By the time you go down the driveway to pick up your mail, you’re forgotten,” he said. “I don’t expect much. I’ve been around too long to have expectations.”
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One of Forrest’s most notable roles was in Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now, where he played Chef Hicks, a high-strung cook who is thrown into the chaos of the Vietnam War. Forrest’s performance perfectly captured Chef’s increasing unease and desperation as the situation escalated.
Similarly, in The Rose, Forrest played Huston Dyer, a charismatic AWOL army sergeant who captures the heart of Bette Midler’s character, Mary Rose Fisher. The film depicted the rock diva’s struggle with addiction and self-destruction, with Forrest’s character providing a grounding force amidst the chaos.
Forrest’s talent and dedication to his craft were recognized with a Golden Globe nomination and an Academy Award nomination for his role in The Rose. While he didn’t win the Oscar, the National Society of Film Critics honored him as the best supporting actor for his work in both The Rose and Apocalypse Now.
Throughout his career, Forrest worked on a variety of projects, ranging from independent films to big-budget blockbusters. One of his collaborations with Coppola was One From the Heart, a musical set in Las Vegas that aimed to recreate the splendor of classic Hollywood musicals. Despite the director’s ambitious vision, the film ultimately became one of his biggest failures.
Forrest’s last onscreen appearance was in the 2006 remake of All the King’s Men. After that, he stepped away from acting but remained a respected and beloved figure in the industry.
In addition to his film work, Forrest also left a lasting impact on television with roles in shows like Quo Vadis?, Lonesome Dove, and Die Kinder. His talent and versatility were evident in his portrayal of a wide range of characters, from an outlaw in the Old West to a private investigator in a British miniseries.
Frederic Forrest’s contributions to the world of film and television will be remembered and celebrated by fans and colleagues alike. His remarkable talent and dedication to his craft made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, and his performances will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for years to come.
