RIP George Kennedy

[jarnon]

‘Airport’ Star George Kennedy Dies at 91

George Kennedy, who won a supporting actor Oscar for his role alongside Paul Newman in the beloved film “Cool Hand Luke,” and was also a fixture of 1970s disaster movies including the “Airport” franchise and “Earthquake,” died Sunday in Boise, Idaho. He was 91.

[kroxquo]

The first time my mother ever flew, she was sitting on the plane with my dad and, no joke, a nun got on the plane followed by a girl in a wheelchair. My mother's reaction - "If George Kennedy gets on, I'm getting off."

[Bob Juch]

I had no idea he lived in Boise.

[silverscreenselect]

His start in show business was rather interesting. He was in the Army and served as the technical advisor for Phil Silvers' Sgt. Bilko show. Because of his size and demeanor, the the producers felt he could serve as a good foil for Silvers and he wound up appearing as an MP in numerous episodes of the show. Here's an interesting interview he did (for those seeing the headline on the Youtube clip, it's not that Jimmy Carter he's talking with):

[silverscreenselect]

This is a great Kennedy scene from Thunderbolt and Lightfoot with Geoffrey Lewis, but I'm posting a link to it because of the title (it's R-rated):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjIDrWn0DQ4

[SportsFan68]

He played Dragline to perfection. It was a great movie -- I dunno if they just got lucky on the casting or if all the actors rose to the occasion. Kennedy did a great job whatever role he landed.