RICHARD WIDMARK (1914 - 2008)
Richard Widmark; Film, TV Actor Was Known for Enormous Range
Thursday, 27th March 2008
Richard Widmark, a self-effacing actor who played cackling maniacs, dedicated public servants and maverick leading men with equal distinction during a five-decade career in film and television, died March 24 at his home in Roxbury, Conn. He was 93.
His wife, Susan Blanchard, said yesterday that Mr. Widmark had been ill for a long time, and she did not elaborate. 'He was a very private man,' she said.
A veteran of more than 70 films, Mr. Widmark showed enormous range: strong military men ('Halls of Montezuma,' 'The Bedford Incident'), obsessed detectives ('Madigan'), Western heroes ('The Alamo') and insolent underworld figures, notably his explosive debut as a cold-blooded killer in 1947's 'Kiss of Death.'
Mr. Widmark was 'a quiet genius' and 'the kind of star whose mastery sneaks up on you,' Film Comment magazine noted. Director Samuel Fuller once said Mr. Widmark was an ideal choice to play modern, complex heroes. 'He could be a heavy, he could be the lead,' Fuller said. 'He could go either way.'
Mr. Widmark had an unconventional leading-man face, almost gaunt with a lock of blond hair falling on his high forehead.
\O/
Another of the greats is gone
Walking slow to the setting sun
You'll know him, especially if you’re of age
When this kind of hero was all the rage
With a jaw that betokened one so strong
And eyes that pierced for so long
And fair hair brushed casual to the side
He had charisma he couldn’t hide
Perhaps with a cigarette between his lips
And a belt and holster across his hips
He had character and a half to spare
And so another great simply isn't there...
Slowly but surely they wave us goodbye
What they think of this world? Perhaps they sigh...
Where are the heros in these days?
Ones like Widmark no one could faze...
It is surely appropriate to wonder when
we will EVER see their likes again
So goodbye Richard and I thank you
For your inspiring presence equalled by few.
Richard Widmark
By KANEIX
© 2008 KANEIX
(All rights reserved)
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