Martin Scorsesefondly remembers working with the lateKris Kristoffersonas “one of the highlights” of the filmmaker’s life. Scorsese served as the director on 1974’sAlice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,which focused on a waitress/singer named Alice (Ellen Burstyn). She ends up meeting David (Kristofferson) on her first day of work at Mel and Ruby’s, which leads to an unlikely romance. The dramedy was ultimately the inspiration for the much-beloved television seriesAlice,which aired on TV for nine seasons from 1976 until 1985. Scorsese said in a statement (viaIndieWire):
“Right now, I’m on a small boat between Ustica and Palermo, listening to ‘Me and Bobby McGee,’ remembering Kris Kristofferson. Just like half of the world. I was lucky enough to work with Kris. He was a poet. Truly. Inside and out. And a damn good actor, a remarkable screen presence.”
Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore
Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore is a drama directed by Martin Scorsese, featuring Ellen Burstyn as Alice Hyatt, a widow who embarks on a journey to restart her life. Joined by her son, Alice pursues her dream of becoming a singer while navigating various personal and professional challenges. The film explores themes of resilience and self-discovery in the context of 1970s America.
Scorsese, who accepted Burstyn’s Academy Award (Best Actress) forAlice Doesn’t Live Here Anymoreat the 47th Oscars, reminisced about working with such a stellar cast — including Kristofferson’s integral performance — over 50 years ago. Scorsese said in the same statement (below):
“Spending time with Kris when we made ‘Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore’ was one of the biggest highlights of my life. What a sweet, warm family spirit we all shared on that picture — Ellen Burstyn, Diane Ladd, Alfred Lutter, and Jodie Foster, both so young, and Kris.
His presence, the voice, the cool, benign manner, the way he moved on-screen or in person, he brought all of himself. He gave so much heart and humor to his character, and to all of our days shooting in Tucson. What a beautiful human being. What a great artist.”
Remembering the Late, Great Kris Kristofferson
88-year-old actor Kris Kristofferson died “peacefully” at his home in Maui, Hawaii on Saturday (September 28). The GRAMMY award-winning artist made quite the impression in Hollywood once his acting career got underway. And, without question, one of his most memorable starring roles came alongside Barbra Streisand in 1976’s version ofA Star Is Born. AndStreisand took to social media to remember Kristoffersonfollowing his passing. Check out the singer and actress' Instagram post in its entirety below:
A Star Is Bornconsistently ranks asKris Kristofferson’s best film,although most modern audiences, particularly genre fans, will remember the actor for portraying Whistler in the Wesley Snipe-ledBladetrilogy of movies. On Saturday, Kristofferson’s family released a statement toPEOPLEannouncing that the actor and musician had indeed died. It reads as follows:
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the news our husband/father/grandfather, Kris Kristofferson, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 28 at home. We’re all so blessed for our time with him.”
Kristofferson won a Golden Globe (Best Actor) for his portrayal of singing sensation John Norman Howard inA Star Is Born. And in real life, the talented musician won a total of four GRAMMYS over the course of his illustrious career: Best Country Song: “Help Me Make It Through the Night” (1972), Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group “From the Bottle to the Bottom” (1974), Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group “Lover Please” (1976) and the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award.
Kris Kristofferson, Iconic Country Singer & Star of Blade and A Star is Born, Dies Aged 88
The singer/songwriter and actor leaves behind an outstanding legacy in both music and film.
Kris Kristofferson’s one and only Academy Award (Best Music, Original Song Score) nomination was for the 1984 filmSongwriter,which co-starred Willie Nelson. But for those wanting to see Kristofferson at the top of his acting game,A Star Is Born(1976) is now available to buy or rent on most video-on-demand platforms, includingFandango at Home.AndAlice Doesn’t Live Here Anymorecan be found on VOD, at the time of this writing, too.
