Character actor who portrayed smarmy politicians, sadistic generals and unspeakable authoritarian figures
There is a scene in Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather: Part II (1974) that crystallises the entire film career of the character actor Gd Spradlin, who has died aged 90. As the corrupt senator Pat Geary, Spradlin asks the mafia boss Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) for a bribe, so that he can grant gaming licences to the "family" for several casinos in Nevada. During the meeting, Geary launches into an attack on the Corleones, a name he pronounces with derision. "I intend to squeeze you. I don't like your kind of people. I don't like to see you come out to this clean country with oily hair and trussed up in those silk suits trying to pass yourselves off as decent Americans. I'll do business with you, but the fact is I despise you masquerading in the dishonest way you pose yourself.
There is a scene in Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather: Part II (1974) that crystallises the entire film career of the character actor Gd Spradlin, who has died aged 90. As the corrupt senator Pat Geary, Spradlin asks the mafia boss Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) for a bribe, so that he can grant gaming licences to the "family" for several casinos in Nevada. During the meeting, Geary launches into an attack on the Corleones, a name he pronounces with derision. "I intend to squeeze you. I don't like your kind of people. I don't like to see you come out to this clean country with oily hair and trussed up in those silk suits trying to pass yourselves off as decent Americans. I'll do business with you, but the fact is I despise you masquerading in the dishonest way you pose yourself.
- 8/16/2011
- by Ronald Bergan
- The Guardian - Film News
Actor Spradlin Dies
Character actor G.D. Spradlin has died at his home in California at the age of 90.
Spradlin, who was famed for playing authority figures, passed away of natural causes at his ranch in San Luis Obispo on Sunday, according to his grandson.
Starting his career as a lawyer, before working as an independent oil producer, Spradlin didn't start acting until he was in his 40s, when producer Fred Roos cast him in TV shows I Spy and Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.
He went on to play a corrupt senator in The Godfather: Part II and a general in Apocalypse Now, as well as roles in Ed Wood and The Long Kiss Goodnight.
The actor also directed two movies, The Only Way Home and Outside In, both released in 1972.
He is survived by his wife, Frances, two daughters and five grandchildren.
Spradlin, who was famed for playing authority figures, passed away of natural causes at his ranch in San Luis Obispo on Sunday, according to his grandson.
Starting his career as a lawyer, before working as an independent oil producer, Spradlin didn't start acting until he was in his 40s, when producer Fred Roos cast him in TV shows I Spy and Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.
He went on to play a corrupt senator in The Godfather: Part II and a general in Apocalypse Now, as well as roles in Ed Wood and The Long Kiss Goodnight.
The actor also directed two movies, The Only Way Home and Outside In, both released in 1972.
He is survived by his wife, Frances, two daughters and five grandchildren.
- 7/26/2011
- WENN
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