Wilford Brimley (WB) was, or so I am told – the same guy in real life as he was on set or in film as the character he played. Brimley 85 years-young died Saturday.
WB’s obituary is [here].
Brimley was as good as it gets when it comes to acting. WB would tell you his success as an actor had nothing to do with his acting ability “cause I can’t act.”
Because I was not a viewer of the T.V. series The Waltons – I had never seen Brimley act prior to the film The China Syndrome. Brimley was superb and effectively stole the ending scene in a film laced with Academy Award Winners.
However, WB caught me by storm in his role as Wells the Acting Attorney General in Absence of Malice. Again, in a scene with multiple Academy Award Winners, WB commands attention like no other.
Then came The Natural and WB’s role as Pop Fisher… I need say no more.
Rest in Peace Wilford Brimley.
