Harry Dean Stanton Dies at 91

Harry Dean Stanton has died at 91, reports TMZ. The actor, a screen legend who endeared himself to moviegoers for his performances in everything from “Pretty in Pink” and “The Godfather Part II” to “Alien” and “Repo Man,” passed away peacefully at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles.

Best known as a character actor, Stanton had his share of leading roles as well. None was more moving than Wim Wenders’ “Paris, Texas,” in which he plays a grief-stricken drifter who attempts to reconnect with his former life. Stanton frequently collaborated with David Lynch, appearing in “Wild at Heart,” “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me,” “The Straight Story,” “Inland Empire,” and the just-concluded “Twin Peaks” revival.

Stanton had a gruff-but-tender air about him that will sorely be lacking now that he’s passed, and the list of movies improved by his presence — which includes but is by no means limited to “Escape From New York,” “The Last Temptation of Christ,” “The Green Mile,” “Cool Hand Luke,” “Two-Lane Blacktop,” “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,” Cockfighter,” and even “The Avengers” — is prodigious.

Stanton also starred as the title character in “Lucky,” the directorial debut of John Caroll Lynch, which premiered at South by Southwest earlier this year and arrives in theaters on September 29.

Lynch shared a tribute to his friend and collaborator with Variety:

“The great Harry Dean Stanton has left us. There went a great one. There’s nobody like Harry Dean. Everyone loved him. And with good reason. He was a great actor (actually beyond great) – and a great human being – so great to be around him!!! You are really going to be missed Harry Dean!!! Loads of love to you wherever you are now!!!”