AUSTIN, TEXAS – APRIL 21: Kris Kristofferson performs in concert at Mac, Jack & McConaughey’s Jack Ingram & Friends Event at ACL Live on April 21, 2017 in Austin, Texas . (Photo by Gary Miller/Getty Images) Gary Miller via Getty Images
Fans and celebrities alike are paying tribute to American music legend and movie star Kris Kristofferson, who died on Saturday at the age of 88.
Kristofferson’s life story is so unlikely that it seems almost impossible. He was a Rhodes scholar and Golden Globe boxer who had abandoned a promising military career to become a janitor in Nashville, where he hoped to take a chance on music production.
He became known as a master songwriter and one of the founders of the “outlaw country” movement. If that wasn’t enough, he became a captivating performer on the big screen, winning a Golden Globe Award for his role in the 1976 film. “A Star Is Born” version.
Kristofferson’s friends, fans, co-stars and fellow musicians expressed their condolences, shared memories and posted clips of their favorite moments.
When I first saw Chris perform at the Troubadour Club in LA, I knew he was something special. Barefoot and strumming a guitar, he seemed like the perfect choice for the script I was developing. That eventually became A Star Is Born.
In the movie, Chris and I sang… pic.twitter.com/WDdU2zoUwD
— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraSreisand) September 30, 2024
Kris Kristofferson sings “The Pilgrims, Chapter 33” to Harry Dean Stanton.
The song’s lyrics resonate and hold a mirror up to all of us walking through contradictions that are partly true and partly fiction.
What an absolute genius Kristofferson was. pic.twitter.com/U5HsCk5sGV
— Will McCrabb (@mccrabb_will) September 29, 2024
Kris Kristofferson.
What a life he led!
It’s a good company.
He’s a great person.
See you again.
— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) September 30, 2024
Going back to the beginning of Twitter, people have discovered the beautiful things that Kris Kristofferson has done. These include Pee-wee Herman and the Blade movies, Standing Up for Sinead, and Heaven’s Gate. But he also wrote the greatest hymn of the 20th century. pic.twitter.com/iEuxASPG9h
— Ken Layne (@KenLayne) September 30, 2024
Here’s Kris Kristofferson talking about the 1992 Bob Dylan memorial concert at MSG: Sinead O’Connor was booed for tearing up a picture of the Pope on SNL and was asked to be taken off stage. I was asked for it.
he refused.
“Don’t let the bastards get you down.”
RIP to icon pic.twitter.com/57hkHte6EM
— Mike Beauvais (@MikeBeauvais) September 29, 2024
Rest in Peace, Kris Kristofferson (1936-2024)
Watch Kristofferson and Miss Piggy get depressed and sing “Help Me Make It Through the Night” in episode 301 of “The Muppet Show.” pic.twitter.com/M91QH6d3Or
— James Hancock (@colebrax) September 30, 2024
If you’re not familiar with the quality of Kris Kristofferson’s character, here’s a 1991 interview where he spoke about American issues alongside Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, and Willie Nelson. Rest in peace to a true legend. https://t.co/DKNuBlGARnpic.twitter.com/CbHGtEo00p
— Guido Anchovy 🏳️🌈🇵🇸 (@L0ngTermParking) September 29, 2024
Kris Kristofferson revealed on Rosie’s Show (1998) how much Rex Reed hated him in A Star Is Born, and to get back at him, fans turned to the soundtrack “Watch Closely Now.” He told a wonderful story about how he called Reed’s house at 4 a.m. while playing the song “I Love You.” . #RIPK Kris Kristoffersonpic.twitter.com/0sMNoKFQnv
— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) September 29, 2024
Sad to hear of Kris Kristofferson’s passing. He is a source of inspiration for me and I was lucky enough to meet him on the set of Outlaw Justice in Spain in 1998. Our deepest condolences go out to Chris’ wife Lisa and all his family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/9ahARfnNLD
— Travis Tritt (@TravisTritt) September 29, 2024
Kris Kristofferson wasn’t just a country music icon, he was also a Hollywood legend. From A Star Is Born to Blade to Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore to Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, he’s given us characters that stand the test of time. Ta. pic.twitter.com/GeZageyEmQ
— Eric Alper 🎧 (@ThatEricAlper) September 29, 2024
