Thursday, June 4, 2009

David Carradine dead at 72


Several news sources are reporting that actor David Carradine has been found dead in his hotel room in Bangkok. He was there filming a new project. Sources are awaiting an autopsy report, but Carradine was found hanging from a rope in the room’s closet.
It almost goes without saying the legacy that the man has left behind. He made over 100 films ranging from westerns to martial arts flicks to horror to drama. Of course, his most famous work, “Kung Fu,” will probably continue to play in syndication until well after my children’s children discover it. He’s also left behind the iconic figure of Bill from Kill Bill which stands as a showcase of his subtle, quiet acting delivery and his fighting skill.
Our thoughts are with his family.
Let’s all celebrate the man by sharing some of our favorite moments he had on screen, shall we? Mine is probably Cannonball! It’s such a ridiculous film, and Carradine is just as ridiculously serious as he needs to be as Cannonball in such an awesomely bad movie. The premise is so stupid, and his character is so ill-concieved, but he does a great job at delivering a memorable performance. Even if I was laughing a few times where I wasn’t supposed to.
Other Career Highlights:
Television
"Shane" (1966)
"Kung Fu" (1972-1975)
"North and South" (1985)
"Kung Fu: The Legend Continues" (1992)
Film
Bound for Glory (1976)
Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)
Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004)

No comments: