Who Frederic Forrest? | Biography, Death, Net Worth and Movies

5 min readJul 5, 2023

Frederic Forrest — A Life Well Lived

Early Life and Family Background

Frederic Forrest was born on December 23, 1936, in Waxahachie, Texas. His mother, Virginia Allie (McEwen), worked in a restaurant, and his father, Frederic Fenimore Forrest Sr., was a furniture store owner. Raised in a humble, hard-working environment, Forrest was of Scotch-Irish descent and grew up with a character shaped by the modest means of his family.

Education

Forrest developed an interest in drama and acting during his high school years in his hometown. The world of theater became his sanctuary and an escape from the mundane life of a small town. His drama teacher recognized his potential and encouraged him to follow this passion further.

After graduating from high school, Forrest moved to California, where he studied at the renowned Actors Studio in Hollywood. Here, he received training from some of the industry’s best acting coaches, honing his craft and developing the nuanced acting skills that would later become his career’s hallmark.

Early Career

Forrest’s professional acting career started in the late 1960s, with minor roles in theater and television. His breakout role came when he was cast in ‘When the Legends Die’ (1972), where he played a troubled rodeo cowboy. This performance drew the attention of critics and audiences, earning him recognition.

Success

Frederic Forrest’s career hit a turning point when Francis Ford Coppola cast him in ‘The Conversation’ (1974). This opportunity ushered him into the limelight in the film industry. His role in Coppola’s ‘Apocalypse Now’ (1979), as the character Chef, won him international acclaim. His gripping performance solidified his status as a talented character actor.

He later received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in ‘The Rose’ (1979), where he starred opposite Bette Midler. His portrayal of Midler’s tormented boyfriend was deeply touching, leaving a significant impact on viewers.

Throughout his career, Forrest delivered memorable performances in films like ‘Hammett’ (1982), ‘Valley Girl’ (1983), ‘Tucker: The Man and His Dream’ (1988), and ‘Music Box’ (1989).

Personal Life

Frederic Forrest led a private life away from the public eye. He was married to Marilu Henner from 1980 to 1982. In 1990, he married Nancy Gilbert, with whom he shared the rest of his life, living a quiet, low-key life in Hollywood.

Controversies

Frederic Forrest lived a life largely free from controversy. His ability to keep his personal life private helped him stay clear of media scandals.

Height, Weight, Age, Death and Film List

Frederic Forrest stands at 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs around 75 kg. Born in 1936 and he Death at 86 years .

Forrest has an extensive filmography, some of which includes:

- When the Legends Die (1972)

- The Conversation (1974)

- Apocalypse Now (1979)

- The Rose (1979)

- Hammett (1982)

- Valley Girl (1983)

- Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988)

- Music Box (1989)

Philanthropy

Forrest was actively involved in various philanthropic activities besides his acting career. He strongly supported arts education for young people and made numerous contributions to initiatives that offered acting classes and workshops to underprivileged youth.

Awards

Among his accolades, Frederic Forrest’s Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actorfor ‘The Rose’ (1979) stands out as a testament to his acting prowess. He also received a Golden Globe nomination for the same role. His performance in ‘Apocalypse Now’ (1979) garnered him a BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Passing

Frederic Forrest passed away on June 23, 2023, in Santa Monica, California. His loss was deeply felt by the film industry and his fans worldwide.

Conclusion

Frederic Forrest was an exceptional actor who left a lasting mark on Hollywood. Witha career spanning more than five decades, he brought a diverse range of characters to life, demonstrating his versatility and depth as an actor. Despite his fame and success, he remained grounded, emphasizing his craft over celebrity life. His dedication to acting, his commitment to philanthropy, and his ability to maintain a scandal-free image made him a respected figure in the film industry. His passing is a great loss to the film industry, but his legacy lives on through his extensive body of work.

Quotes

Frederic Forrest had a way with words and often shared his thoughts on acting and life. Two of his memorable quotes are:

- “An actor is at his best a kind of unfrocked priest who, for an hour or two, can call on heaven and hell to mesmerize a group of innocents.”

- “You don’t need to be in the spotlight to make a difference. Your actions, no matter how small or quiet, can touch lives in ways you may never know.”

FAQs

When and where was Frederic Forrest born?Frederic Forrest was born on December 23, 1936, in Waxahachie, Texas.What was Frederic Forrest’s breakthrough role?Frederic Forrest’s breakthrough came when he was cast in ‘When the Legends Die’ (1972). His subsequent role in ‘The Conversation’ (1974) brought him further recognition.Which role did Frederic Forrest get an Oscar nomination for?Frederic Forrest received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in ‘The Rose’ (1979).Who was Frederic Forrest married to?Frederic Forrest was married to Marilu Henner from 1980 to 1982. Later, he married Nancy Gilbert in 1990.When and where did Frederic Forrest pass away?Frederic Forrest passed away on June 23, 2023, in Santa Monica, California.What is Frederic Forrest’s most notable quote?One of his most notable quotes is: “An actor is at his best a kind of unfrocked priest who, for an hour or two, can call on heaven and hell to mesmerize a group of innocents.”What kind of philanthropic activities was Frederic Forrest involved in?Frederic Forrest was an active supporter of arts education for young people. He donated to several initiatives that provide acting classes and workshops for underprivileged youth.What was Frederic Forrest’s height and weight?Frederic Forrest stood at 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighed around 75 kg.What is Frederic Forrest’s legacy in the film industry?Frederic Forrest is remembered for his exceptional talent, versatility, and depth as an actor. He left a lasting impact on the film industry through his roles in various critically acclaimed films.What were some of the films that Frederic Forrest starred in?Some of the films Frederic Forrest starred in include ‘When the Legends Die’ (1972), ‘The Conversation’ (1974), ‘Apocalypse Now’ (1979), ‘The Rose’ (1979), ‘Hammett’ (1982), ‘Valley Girl’ (1983), ‘Tucker: The Man and His Dream’ (1988), and ‘Music Box’ (1989).