Harry Dean Stanton

Harry Dean Stanton was a very prolific actor whose aptitude saw him appear in well over a century of films and TV series. He was also a fine singer.

Early Accomplishments

He joined the US Navy during World War II and served his country at the Battle of Okinawa in a landing ship, a tank and also as a cook.

He returned to study journalism at University of Kentucky but after starring in a theater piece titled Pygmalion, he was convinced to drop school and pursue acting fully.

Best Known For

In a 63-year career, some of his finest works have come in the films Alien (1979), Repo Man (1984), The Green Mile (1999) and more recently as the titular character in Lucky (2017). Some of his TV credits include recurring roles in Getting On (2013-15) and Big Love (2006-10).

Sexual Orientation

Harry was straight but was never married. He briefly dated Debbie Harry in the 70s but spent an entire decade of his life with German actress, Nastassja Kinski right after his 2-year relationship with Rebecca De Mornay ended in 1983.

Family

He was the eldest of the sons of Sheridan and Ersel Moberly and his siblings are Ralph and Archie as well as half-brother, Stanley McKnight. Unfortunately, he is not survived by any of these. 

Religion

He has been quoted to say, “All organized religions are basically the same. I’m not really into religion”. 

Worth To Know

Dead by natural cause at a popular LA hospital, he was cremated and his ashes were spread across Lexington, Kentucky.

He was best friends with Jack Nicholson. He was the best man at his wedding and even briefly lived with Stanton after his divorce.

He was frontman and lead guitar for The Harry Dean Stanton Band. They played often at a joint in Hollywood.