To The Bone: Kris Kristofferson

Although I had certainly heard of singer songwriter Kris Kristofferson, it wasn't until a few years ago I really became familiar with his work as an actor. I caught the 1976 version of A Star Is Born with Kristofferson and Barbra Streisand and instantly fell in lust with the then 39 year old actor. Kris spent a fair bit of the film shirtless and there was something so raw and sexual about him that grabbed my attention.

Last week, as part of TCM's 31 Days Of Oscar, I caught another of the actors early films, this time, 1974's Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore with Oscar winner Ellen Burstyn. Again, Kristofferson's soulful eyes and overt masculinity made an impact. Kristofferson has that beautiful blend of gentle masculinity, clearly rugged and raw, but also quiet and artistic. I might come from the actors love of poetry and song writing that he is able to be so multi dimensional on film.

This time, I decided to do a bit more research for a post. I was surprised to learn of the actors wealth of acting roles, especially in the 70's. Kristofferson has appeared opposite many Hollywood's most well known actresses. Besides Burstyn and Streisand, he has appeared opposte Jane Fonda, Bernadette Peters, Ali McGraw, Marsha Mason to name a few.

With Bernadette Peters in Vigilante Force (1976)

With Ali McGraw on the poster for Convoy, 1978

Playgirl Cover with Jane Fonda promoting Rollover (1981)

With Burt Reynolds in Semi-Tough (1977)

With Barbra Streisand  in A Star Is Born (1976)

Below: With Sarah Miles from The Sailor Who Fell From Grace With The Sea (1976)

1976's The Sailor Who Fell From Grace With The Sea had mixed results on Kristofferson's life and career. The film's love scenes with actress Sarah Miles, and subsequent Playboy pictorial are described as the nadir of the actor's career. Kristofferson says he was pretty much out of it for much of the shoot and between his relationship with Miles, and his heavy whisky habit, the movie resulted in the end of his marriage to singer Rita Coolidge.

Kris in Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid (1973)

Although Kristofferson's acting career may have helped end his marriage, he and Rita Coolidge worked together on two films including A Star Is Born and 1973' Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid. Although Kris only showed his backside in the film, he proved a method actor. As you can see from the cap below, no cock sock during filming for Kristofferson.