Charles Portis, the author whose 1968 novel “True Grit” inspired two beloved big-screen Westerns, died Monday at the age of 86.
The Arkansas native had struggled with failing health for several years, according to his brother, Jonathan, who confirmed the death to the Arkansas Times.
His biggest success was the 1968 novel “True Grit,” the story of a young farm girl who hires a drunken lawman to catch the outlaw who murdered her father. They go on a quest along with a Texas Ranger to track down the villain, and on that adventure, the strength of their “grit” is tested.
The novel inspired Henry Hathaway’s 1969 film, which earned John Wayne the Oscar for Best Actor. The Coen brothers’ 2010 adaptation, starring Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, and Hailee Steinfeld, earned 10 Oscar nominations — but went home empty-handed that year.
Also Read: 'M*A*S*H' Actress Kellye Nakahara Dies After Battle With Cancer
Portis’ other work includes comic fiction like “Norwood,...
The Arkansas native had struggled with failing health for several years, according to his brother, Jonathan, who confirmed the death to the Arkansas Times.
His biggest success was the 1968 novel “True Grit,” the story of a young farm girl who hires a drunken lawman to catch the outlaw who murdered her father. They go on a quest along with a Texas Ranger to track down the villain, and on that adventure, the strength of their “grit” is tested.
The novel inspired Henry Hathaway’s 1969 film, which earned John Wayne the Oscar for Best Actor. The Coen brothers’ 2010 adaptation, starring Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, and Hailee Steinfeld, earned 10 Oscar nominations — but went home empty-handed that year.
Also Read: 'M*A*S*H' Actress Kellye Nakahara Dies After Battle With Cancer
Portis’ other work includes comic fiction like “Norwood,...
- 2/17/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
Similar News
11 movies to check out on Netflix this May
- 5/3/2024
- by Robert DeSalvo
- avclub.com
Hugh Jackman, Jodie Comer Starring in ‘The Death of Robin Hood’
- 5/3/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Kyle Richards removes ‘Umansky’ from social media handle as Mauricio finally moves out
- 5/3/2024
- by Alicea James
- Monsters and Critics
‘Night Court’ Renewed for Season 3 at NBC
- 5/3/2024
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
Mike Flanagan in Talks to Direct ‘Exorcist’ Sequel for Universal, Blumhouse
- 5/3/2024
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
Paramount, Skydance Exclusive Talks Window Likely to Close Without a Deal, So What Happens Next?
- 5/3/2024
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Sylvester Stallone’s ‘Tulsa King’ Casts Rich Ting As Recurring In Season 2
- 5/3/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
My ‘Hacks’ Cameo: How One Variety Reporter Ran Lines With Jean Smart, Instructed Red Carpet Extras and Nearly Broke His NDA
- 5/3/2024
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
Actor Rosie Perez Turns 60 This Year and Still Looks Beautiful
- 5/1/2024
- by Ali Hicks
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.
More to explore
Box Office: Ryan Gosling’s ‘Fall Guy’ Makes $3.15 Million in Previews
- 5/3/2024
- by Jordan Moreau
- Variety - Film News
A24 Scoops Up Adam Wingard Action Movie ‘Onslaught’
- 5/2/2024
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Kristen Stewart, Oscar Isaac to Star in Vampire Thriller ‘Flesh of the Gods’ for ‘Mandy’ Filmmaker
- 5/2/2024
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Paul Rudd & Nick Jonas To Star In Musical Comedy ‘Power Ballad’; Filming Underway In Dublin With John Carney Directing — Cannes Market Hot Project
- 5/2/2024
- by Andreas Wiseman, Matt Grobar and Diana Lodderhose
- Deadline Film + TV
‘Cobra Kai’ Season 6 to Be Split Into Three Parts: Final Season Kicks Off in July, Series Finale Set for 2025
- 5/2/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety - TV News
Michelle Yeoh to Receive Presidential Medal of Freedom
- 5/3/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety - TV News
Meryl Streep Set to Receive Cannes Honorary Palme D’Or
- 5/2/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Mel Brooks, Quinta Brunson To Be Honored At Peabody Awards
- 5/2/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Rosie O’Donnell Joins ‘And Just Like That’ for Season 3
- 5/2/2024
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Daniel Zirilli Dies: Prolific Director Of Action Films And Music Videos Was 58
- 5/2/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Kristen Stewart, Oscar Isaac to Star in Vampire Thriller ‘Flesh of the Gods’ for ‘Mandy’ Filmmaker
- 5/2/2024
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Paul Rudd & Nick Jonas To Star In Musical Comedy ‘Power Ballad’; Filming Underway In Dublin With John Carney Directing — Cannes Market Hot Project
- 5/2/2024
- by Andreas Wiseman, Matt Grobar and Diana Lodderhose
- Deadline Film + TV
Anthony Hopkins to Play Composer George Frideric Handel in ‘The King of Covent Garden’ Biopic
- 5/2/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety - Film News
‘Never Look Away’ Review: Lucy Lawless Directs Fascinating Documentary on Death-Defying Photojournalist Margaret Moth
- 5/1/2024
- by Joe Leydon
- Variety - Film News
Quentin Dupieux’s ‘Daaaaaalí!’ Bought by Music Box for U.S. Distribution (Exclusive)
- 5/2/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety - Film News
Box Office: Ryan Gosling’s ‘Fall Guy’ Makes $3.15 Million in Previews
- 5/3/2024
- by Jordan Moreau
- Variety - Film News
Thunderbolts* Star Olga Kurylenko On That Mysterious Asterisk: "They Changed A Few Things"
- 5/2/2024
- ComicBookMovie.com
Universal’s Leonardo da Vinci Film to Be Directed by ‘All of Us Strangers’ Helmer Andrew Haigh (Exclusive)
- 5/2/2024
- by Tatiana Siegel
- Variety Film + TV
Emma Stone, Nathan Fielder and A24 to Produce ‘Checkmate,’ Ben Mezrich’s Chess Scandal Story
- 5/2/2024
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety - Film News
Mattel’s ‘Masters of the Universe’ Moves From Netflix to Amazon for Summer 2026 Release, Travis Knight to Direct
- 5/2/2024
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety - Film News
James Corden and Ruth Jones Confirm ‘Gavin and Stacey’ Christmas Episode: ‘It’s Official!’
- 5/3/2024
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety - TV News
Robin Wright-Led ‘The Girlfriend’ Ordered To Series At Prime Video; Olivia Cooke, Laurie Davidson & Waleed Zuaiter Also Star
- 5/2/2024
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
‘Knuckles’ Paramount+ Series Sets Platform Record With Over 4 Million Hours Viewed
- 5/2/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Rosie O’Donnell Joins ‘And Just Like That’ for Season 3
- 5/2/2024
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
‘Emily The Criminal’: John Patton Ford To Turn His 2022 Crime Thriller Into A TV Series, But Aubrey Plaza Not Returning To Star
- 5/2/2024
- by Ned Booth
- The Playlist