Harry Dean Stanton died today at age 91 in Los Angeles, two weeks before his latest film Lucky was due to hit theaters from Magnolia Pictures. It is the latest of his more than 200 film and TV credits for the character actor extraordinaire, who was perhaps best known for his roles in Repo Man, Paris, Texas, David Lynch‘s movies and Twin Peaks TV series, and as the patriarch of the polygamist family at the hub of HBO’s Big Love.
Still, the breadth of his roles was impressive, from Alien and Pretty In Pink to Gunsmoke, and Cool Hand Luke and The Green Mile to Rango.
Lucky has been getting awards-season buzz for Stanton’s performance as a 90-year-old atheist thrust into a journey of self-exploration in his small desert town.
Hollywood was quick to weigh in on his death today including Lynch:
A statement from @DAVID_LYNCH on the passing of the great Harry Dean Stanton. #RIPHarryDeanStanton #TwinPeaks #Showtime pic.twitter.com/EmsO1zotsk
— Twin Peaks (@SHO_TwinPeaks) September 15, 2017
— LuckyFilm2017 (@LuckyFilm2017) September 15, 2017
#RIPHarryDeanStanton @MagnoliaPics @DEADLINE @Variety @IndieWire @DAVID_LYNCH @logannoho @dragosumonja @SuperlativeDRB @LagralaneG pic.twitter.com/Pvs1UudBha
— John Carroll Lynch (@MrJCLynch) September 16, 2017
Harry Dean Stanton had the best line in CHRISTINE: "I'm selling' this shithole and buyin' a condo." Rest in peace, HD. You were great.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) September 15, 2017
Harry Dean Stanton was a wonderful man, kind and full of humor. He was also a great actor. Goodbye, Harry Dean. Rest in peace.
— John Carpenter (@TheHorrorMaster) September 15, 2017
Roger Ebert once said, "No movie featuring Harry Dean Stanton can be altogether bad." That is the power of a truly extraordinary actor. #RIP pic.twitter.com/zkDVzFURb2
— Tribeca (@Tribeca) September 15, 2017
Was an honor, man. #RIPHarryDeanStanton pic.twitter.com/6pPrQT9ClX
— Jon Cryer (@MrJonCryer) September 15, 2017
Harry Dean Stanton was the definition of cool. On Alpha Dog, he wouldn't leave a room w/o saying, "Love ya. Mean it." Such a great guy. RIP
— olivia wilde (@oliviawilde) September 15, 2017
Rest In Peace, Harry Dean Stanton pic.twitter.com/NciVEUWtox
— 20th Century Studios (@20thcentury) September 15, 2017
Goodbye, Harry Dean Stanton. Every man has your voice. pic.twitter.com/t8odfnx1at
— Criterion Collection (@Criterion) September 15, 2017
Harry Dean Stanton is smoking in the heavens. pic.twitter.com/2u6sEKAK69
— Harris 2024 (@GregProops) September 15, 2017