Kris Kristofferson was a singer, songwriter, and actor. He was one of the most legendary people in Hollywood, having succeeded in both singing and acting in his stellar career. He also received many massive hits with songs like “Help Me Make It Through The Night,” “Me and Bobby McGee,” and “For The Good Times.” His rugged looks, gravelly voice, and love for country music made him an instant fan favorite and hotshot crush of his generation.
After finishing his military service in 1965, he retired as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. After that, he did many odd jobs before entering music and later the acting industry. He debuted with The Last Movie in 1971, a small part in the Dennis Hopper film that got his foot in the industry’s door. An upward trajectory followed this as he starred in many other movies. He is mainly known for his many Westerns and his performance in A Star Is Born (1976), for which he received his first Golden Globe Award for Best Actor.
Kris Kristofferson retired from the industry in 2021, ending a stellar 55-year career and leaving some classics and legendary movies and songs to be remembered by. Yet, this did not make his passing on September 28th, 2024, less of a somber moment for his fans worldwide. Here are some of Kris Kristofferson’s best performances to celebrate his remarkable career.
8 Heaven’s Gate (1980)
Directed by Michael Cimino, Heaven’s Gate is an ’80s drama-noir about disputes between landowners and immigrants in Wyoming. It is loosely based on the Johnson County War and stars Jeff Bridges, Kris Kristofferson, and Christopher Walken. Kris Kristofferson plays the role of James Averill, the sheriff of Jackson County. He becomes the middleman when the politically connected start disputes with European immigrants.
A Western Dealing with Tough Truths About America’s Growth
Kristofferson perfectly embodies James’s troubled nature and uncertainty, as his character is forced to make many difficult decisions during the escalating issues. While far from a critical darling at release, the movie has garnered a retrospective appreciation over the years. This is particularly true of Kristofferson’s role, which stands tall among the talented cast and makes much of the heavy-handed messaging tolerable. You can stream Heaven’s Gate on Fubo, Tubi, or Pluto TV.
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7 Blaze (2018)
Directed by Ethan Hawke, Blaze chronicles the life of Blaze Foley, an overlooked figure in outlaw country music. The movie is told in a non-linear fashion, touching on Foley’s tumultuous relationship with Sybil Rosen, his struggles with addiction, and his quest for artistic authenticity in the evolving country-Western genre. The final interview with Foley is also interlaced throughout, offering an authentic portrait of the man and his career.
Kris Kristofferson Paying Homage to the Legacy of Outlaw Country Music
Kris Kristofferson was a diverse talent, with his music career just as influential as his acting. In Blaze, Kristofferson played the supporting role of Edwin Fuller, Blaze’s father; the role resonates with the actor’s passion for music and the screen, making him stand out. Approaching the familial complexities of Blaze’s life, Kristofferson brought his expected gravitas to the character while also giving a reflective performance drawing from his own experiences as a musician and the struggles that can come with creativity. Blaze also marks Kris Kristofferson’s last feature film. You can stream Blaze on AMC+, The Criterion Channel, Mubi, IFC Films, or Kanopy.
6 The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea (1976)
Directed by Lewis John Carlino, The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea is a drama-thriller starring Kris Kristofferson and Sarah Miles. The British movie is an adaptation of the Japanese novel by Yukio Mishima. The story is a family drama, taking place when single parent Anne is swept off her feet by American sailor Jim Cameron. However, her son Jonno, who initially admires Jim, begins to sour towards the man, seeing his abandonment of his duties at sea as a sin worthy of death.
The Dark Side of Idolatry and Growing Up
Jim Cameron is a typical soldier with a rugged yet handsome appearance. He is a very bold character, and Kristofferson embodies that perfectly. He falls head over heels in love with Anne and wants his life to revolve around her, with many risky public maneuvers. As the story escalates and the themes turn dark, Kris Kristofferson also shows his knack for complex characters as his interactions with Jonno explore themes of duty, idolatry, and the desire to find peace. You can stream The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea on Tubi, Plex, or Kanopy.
5 Cisco Pike (1972)
Cisco Pike (Kris Kristofferson) is a struggling musician whose once prominent career has slipped away. This exposes Cisco to blackmail from a corrupt police officer, Detective Leo Holland (Gene Hackman), who forces him to sell 100 kilos of stolen marijuana over a weekend. Cisco heads to the streets and friends to try to sell the drugs, all while hanging onto the dream of revitalizing his career.
Kris Kristofferson Shines in His First Lead Role
Kris Kristofferson certainly impressed in his feature film-led role, capturing the world-weariness of a down-and-out musician with such conviction and authenticity that it surprised many for a debut. The movie also boasted a strong supporting cast, including Gene Hackman, Karen Black, and Harry Dean Stanton. Kristofferson also supplied the music for the feature, adding to the realism of his character. Cisco Pike is far from a masterpiece, but for Kris Kristofferson fans, his first lead roles highlight why the actor saw a quick, upward trajectory on the screen. You can stream Cisco Pike on Prime Video.
4 Blade (1998)
Based on Marvel’s superhero, Blade was an early stand-out title among superhero movies. It offered a more mature take, using the titular vampire hunter, Blade, as a vengeful hero. Half human, half vampire, Blade’s quest to take out other vampires that prey on humans leads him to conflict with Deacon Frost, a younger vampire looking to shake up the power dynamic by granting vampires the ability to walk during the day.
The Best Super Hero Movie of the ’90s
The movie starred Wesley Snipes, Traci Lords, and Shannon Lee. While playing a supporting role as Blade’s mentor, Abraham Whistler, Kris Kristofferson was nonetheless a key figure in establishing Blade as a person and the humanity he clung to despite his vampiric roots. Gruff and hardened by years of vampire hunting, he still acts as a father figure to Blade and presents a kindness that works perfectly into the dramatic elements of the ’90s stand-out superhero movie that made it resonate so deeply with viewers. You can rent Blade on Apple TV, Amazon Video, or YouTube.
3 Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974)
Directed by Martin Scorsese, Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore is a comedy-drama movie starring Ellen Burstyn, Alfred Lutter, Dianne Ladd, and Kris Kristofferson. The movie follows the story of a widow traveling through the Southwestern USA in search of a better life. Kristofferson plays the character of David, the mature and loving guy with whom Alice falls in love while pursuing her better life.
The Complexities of Finding Love Again
While having minimal lines in Alice Does Not Live Her Anymore, Kristofferson offers a steady presence and fills the role of father figure to Alice’s son, conveying that stoic yet archaic father figure who inspires and teaches through his actions. This demeanor also carries over into the relationship. Kristofferson shows a defined reserve as the two face the challenge of Alice trying to overcome her past and David trying to modernize his way of thinking to find comfort in the new relationship. You can rent Alice Does Not Live Here Anymore on Apple TV, Amazon Video, or YouTube.
2 Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid (1973)
Directed by Sam Peckinpah, this Western-drama movie was one of Kristofferson’s first that really put him on the radar for his acting abilities. It follows the story of negotiations between Pat Garrett, a renowned man, and Billy the Kid, a nefarious outlaw. Kristofferson plays the role of Billy the Kid, a man who is equally feared as he is desired for the bounty on his head. Even though Pat and Billy are childhood friends, Garrett, the lawman, must abide by his duty.
A Western with Depth
Considered a departure from the regular Western structure, Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid shucked heavy-action scenes to give a more somber and reflective experience of life in the West by focusing on the complex relationship between the titular characters. This focus allowed Kristofferson’s abilities as an actor to shine as he embodied the charismatic and occasionally snarky larger-than-life figure of the Old West, the infamous Billy the Kid. You can rent Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid on Apple TV, Amazon Video, or YouTube.
1 A Star Is Born (1976)
Directed by Frank Pierson, A Star Is Born is a masterpiece musical drama starring Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson. It follows the story of a kindling musical romance between two singers who have had a falling out with music. This complicated love story has proved its staying power, with the 1976 version with Kris Kristofferson considered among the best, up there with the 2018 remake starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, which also saw critical and fan praise.
A Musical Masterpiece
Kristofferson plays the complex and downward-spiraling John Norman. Being a singer really helped him portray this character to perfection. He has the perfect voice for John’s character, with a deep, gritty country tone. The movie allowed Kris Kristofferson to flex his musical and acting skills, and his performance won him his first Golden Globe Award for Best Actor. You can rent A Star Is Born (1976) on Apple TV, Amazon Video, or YouTube.
