George Kennedy

Born:18. února 1925

Place of Birth:New York City, New York, USA

Died:28. února 2016

Known For:Acting

Biography

George Kennedy, a legendary American actor, left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry with his versatile performances and commanding presence on screen. Born on February 18, 1925, Kennedy's career spanned over five decades, during which he showcased his talent in over 200 TV and film appearances. His portrayal of tough, no-nonsense characters with hearts of gold or a touch of crookedness earned him widespread acclaim and respect within Hollywood circles.

Kennedy's career took off in the late 1950s and early 1960s with notable roles in TV westerns like "Have Gun - Will Travel," "Rawhide," and "Maverick," laying the foundation for his future success in the industry. As he transitioned to the big screen, Kennedy delivered memorable performances in films such as "Lonely Are the Brave," "The Sons of Katie Elder," and "The Flight of the Phoenix," showcasing his versatility as an actor.

The late 1960s marked a significant period in Kennedy's career, as he gained recognition for his roles in films like "Hurry Sundown" and "The Dirty Dozen," culminating in an Oscar win for Best Supporting Actor for his compelling performance in "Cool Hand Luke." Throughout the 1970s, Kennedy continued to captivate audiences with his appearances in disaster films like "Airport" and "Earthquake," solidifying his status as a sought-after character actor.

In the 1980s, Kennedy embraced a diverse range of roles, demonstrating his ability to excel in both dramatic and comedic performances. His collaboration with Leslie Nielsen in the "Naked Gun" film series showcased his comedic talents, earning him praise for his comedic timing and on-screen chemistry with his co-stars. Kennedy's enduring appeal and charisma made him a beloved figure in Hollywood, with audiences appreciating his authenticity and gravitas in every role he undertook.

Despite his illustrious career, Kennedy remained humble and dedicated to his craft, always delivering nuanced and memorable performances that resonated with viewers. His distinctive voice brought animated characters to life in films like "Cats Don't Dance" and "Small Soldiers," showcasing his versatility as a performer. Kennedy's final role in "The Gambler" opposite Mark Wahlberg underscored his enduring legacy as a seasoned actor who continued to captivate audiences until the very end.

On February 28, 2016, George Kennedy passed away in Middleton, Idaho, leaving behind a rich cinematic legacy that continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world. His contributions to the entertainment industry will always be remembered, and his impact on generations of actors and filmmakers remains profound. George Kennedy's talent, dedication, and timeless performances ensure that he will forever be celebrated as a true Hollywood icon.

Images

Filmografie

Herectví

The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!

Ed Hocken

1988

When the bumbling Lieutenant Frank Drebin investigates events following the shooting of his partner, he stumbles upon an attempt to assassinate Queen Elizabeth II.

Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult

Ed Hocken

1994

Frank Drebin is persuaded out of retirement to go undercover in a state prison. There he has to find out what top terrorist, Rocco, has planned for when he escapes. Adding to his problems, Frank's wife, Jane, is desperate for a baby.

The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear

Ed Hocken

1991

Bumbling lieutenant Frank Drebin is out to foil the big boys in the energy industry, who intend to suppress technology that will put them out of business.

The Gambler

Ed

2014

Literature professor Jim Bennett leads a secret life as a high-stakes gambler. Always a risk-taker, Bennett bets it all when he borrows from a gangster and offers his own life as collateral. Staying one step ahead, he pits his creditor against the operator of an illicit gambling ring while garnering the attention of Frank, a paternalistic loan shark. As his relationship with a student deepens, Bennett must risk everything for a second chance.

Charade

Herman Scobie

1963

After Regina Lampert falls for the dashing Peter Joshua on a skiing holiday in the French Alps, she discovers upon her return to Paris that her husband has been murdered. Soon, she and Peter are giving chase to three of her late husband's World War II cronies, Tex, Scobie and Gideon, who are after a quarter of a million dollars the quartet stole while behind enemy lines.

Cool Hand Luke

Dragline

1967

When petty criminal Luke Jackson is sentenced to two years in a Florida prison farm, he doesn't play by the rules of either the sadistic warden or the yard's resident heavy, Dragline, who ends up admiring the new guy's unbreakable will. Luke's bravado, even in the face of repeated stints in the prison's dreaded solitary confinement cell, "the box," make him a rebel hero to his fellow convicts and a thorn in the side of the prison officers.

Death on the Nile

Andrew Pennington

1978

As Hercule Poirot enjoys a luxurious cruise down the Nile, a newlywed heiress is found murdered on board and every elegant passenger becomes a prime suspect.

Virus

Admiral Conway

1980

Scientists in Antarctica desperately try to find a cure to a military virus that was released in a plane crash and has wiped out the rest of the world.

The Dirty Dozen

Major Max Armbruster

1967

12 American military prisoners in World War II are ordered to infiltrate a well-guarded enemy château and kill the Nazi officers vacationing there. The soldiers, most of whom are facing death sentences for a variety of violent crimes, agree to the mission and the possible commuting of their sentences.

The Delta Force

Father O'Malley

1986

A 707 aircraft jetliner, en route from Athens to Rome and then to New York City, is hijacked by Lebanese terrorists, who demand that the pilot take them to Beirut. What the terrorists don't realize is that an elite team of commandos have been called in to eliminate all terrorists on the jetliner.

Thunderbolt and Lightfoot

Red Leary

1974

With the help of an irreverent young sidekick, a bank robber gets his old gang back together to organise a daring new heist.

Airport

Joe Patroni

1970

An airport manager tries to keep his terminals open during a snowstorm, while a suicide bomber plots to blow up a Boeing 707 airliner in flight.

Dennis the Menace Strikes Again!

Mr. Johnson

1998

Barricade the doors. Lock the windows. Because he's baaaack. That one-boy wrecking crew, Dennis the Menace, returns for more mischief and mayhem. Based on the comic strip and TV show about a mischievous little boy with a gift for the potentially lethal prank.

The Sons of Katie Elder

Curley

1965

The four sons of Katie Elder reunite in their hometown of Clearwater, Texas for their mother's funeral, and discover that the family ranch is now in the hands of Morgan Hastings, the town's gunsmith.

Creepshow 2

Ray Spruce

1987

Three macabre tales from the latest issue of a boy's favorite comic book, dealing with a vengeful wooden Native American, a monstrous blob in a lake, and an undying hitchhiker.

View from the Top

Passenger Requesting Vodka (uncredited)

2003

No one thought Donna would go very far. But when she sets her sights on becoming a first-class international flight attendant, Donna throws caution to the wind and takes off in pursuit of her dream. The ride is anything but smooth, however, and Donna's laugh-packed journey of a lifetime is rocked by more turbulence than she bargained for.

The Concorde... Airport '79

Joe Patroni

1979

Aviation disaster-prone Joe Patroni must contend with nuclear missiles, the French Air Force and the threat of the plane splitting in two over the Alps.

The Eiger Sanction

Ben Bowman

1975

A classical art professor and collector, who doubles as a professional assassin, is coerced out of retirement to avenge the murder of an old friend.

Brain Dead

Vance

1990

In a battle of man versus machine, Martin, a top neurosurgeon who's studying brain malfunctions that cause mental illness, delves deep into his own mind to save himself from a megalomaniacal corporation.