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 Kris Kristofferson was born in Brownsville, Texas, to Mary Ann (Ashbrook) and Lars Henry Kristofferson. His paternal grandparents were Swedish, and his father was a United States Air Force general who pushed his son to a military career. Kris was a Golden Gloves boxer and went to Pomona College in California. From there, he earned a Rhodes scholarship to study literature at Oxford University. He ultimately joined the United States Army and achieved the rank of captain. He became a helicopter pilot, which served him well later. In 1965, he resigned his commission to pursue songwriting. He had just been assigned to become a teacher at USMA West Point. He got a job sweeping floors in Nashville studios. There he met Johnny Cash, who initially took some of his songs but ignored them. He was also working as a commercial helicopter pilot at the time. He got Cash's attention when he landed his helicopter in Cash's yard and gave him some more tapes. Cash then recorded Kristofferson's "Sunday Morning Coming Down", which was voted the 1970 Song of the Year by the Country Music Association. Kris was noted for his heavy boozing. He lost his helicopter pilot job when he passed out at the controls, and his drinking ruined his marriage to singer Rita Coolidge, when he was reaching a bottle and half of Jack Daniels daily. He gave up alcohol in 1976. His acting career nose-dived after making Heaven's Gate (1980). In recent years, he has made a comeback with his musical and acting careers. He does say that he prefers his music, but says his children are his true legacy.
Bio:
Kris Kristofferson was born in Brownsville, Texas, to Mary Ann (Ashbrook) and Lars Henry Kristofferson. His paternal grandparents were Swedish, and his father was a United States Air Force general who pushed his son to a military career. Kris was a Golden Gloves boxer and went to Pomona College in California. From there, he earned a Rhodes scholarship to study literature at Oxford University. He ultimately joined the United States Army and achieved the rank of captain. He became a helicopter pilot, which served him well later. In 1965, he resigned his commission to pursue songwriting. He had just been assigned to become a teacher at USMA West Point. He got a job sweeping floors in Nashville studios. There he met Johnny Cash, who initially took some of his songs but ignored them. He was also working as a commercial helicopter pilot at the time. He got Cash's attention when he landed his helicopter in Cash's yard and gave him some more tapes. Cash then recorded Kristofferson's "Sunday Morning Coming Down", which was voted the 1970 Song of the Year by the Country Music Association. Kris was noted for his heavy boozing. He lost his helicopter pilot job when he passed out at the controls, and his drinking ruined his marriage to singer Rita Coolidge, when he was reaching a bottle and half of Jack Daniels daily. He gave up alcohol in 1976. His acting career nose-dived after making Heaven's Gate (1980). In recent years, he has made a comeback with his musical and acting careers. He does say that he prefers his music, but says his children are his true legacy.
Tivia:
He got his start in the music business by landing a helicopter in Johnny Cash's backyard and presenting him with a song he had written. Cash went on to record the songHe was set to become a Major when he decided to quit the United States Army Rangers after almost five years.He is a former United States Army Rangers captain. He graduated Airborne School, Ranger School, and flight school, served in Germany, and volunteered for Vietnam as a helicopter pilot, but instead was offered a professor of English Literature position at USMA West Point. Disappointed that he was not allowed to fight in Vietnam, he resigned his position in 1965.He is a good friend of Muhammad Ali and Willie Nelson. He was also a very good friend of the late Johnny Cash.When Kristofferson hosted the season finale of Saturday Night Live (1975) in 1976, the cast and crew reported that he was drunk, and were worried that he wouldn't be able to do it. Still, Kristofferson proved himself to be quite the functioning drunk, and the show went pretty well. Kristofferson has remarked on numerous occasions that his drinking was often a way to survive when performing, because he is pretty shy and does not have a great deal of confidence in himself.Was a member of The Highwaymen with fellow country music stars Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson.It is speculated that either Kristofferson, Warren Beatty, Cat Stevens or Mick Jagger "inspired" the famous song "You're so Vain" by Carly Simon. Kristofferson doesn't think so himself, and said the following when an interviewer asked him about it: "It couldn't have been me, 'cause I've never flown in a Lear jet like that guy in the song.".His brother Kraigher Kristofferson is, like Kris, a veteran of the Armed Forces. Kraigher was a United States Navy fighter pilot and served in the Vietnam War.A fitness fanatic for most of his life, he worked out rigorously up to the mid-1990s, running seven miles daily, worked out on a punching bag and rowing machine and swimming.Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2004.First grew a beard during a hospital stay. He kept it because it made him look older.After seeing Kristofferson perform at the popular tavern The Troubadour in Los Angeles and his appearance in Cisco Pike (1971), Sam Peckinpah decided to cast him as Billy the Kid in Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (1973).Played football with Burt Reynolds in preparation for Semi-Tough (1977). Both men had been outstanding footballers in college - Reynolds almost turned pro.The Rhodes Scholarship, which Kristofferson won to study at Oxford University in England, is widely considered the world's most prestigious academic scholarship. Other notable Rhodes scholars include: Bill Clinton (the 42nd President of the United States), United States Secretary of State Dean Rusk, astronomer Edwin Hubble, film director Terrence Malick, feminist author and critic Naomi Wolf, and political adviser and commentator George Stephanopoulos.He got the leading male role of A Star Is Born (1976) after Elvis Presley couldn't do it. Elvis has also recorded a song written by Kristofferson.He wrote the song "Me and Bobbie (later Bobby) McGee" which Janis Joplin recorded. The song was a hit for Roger Miller in 1969, who started recording it even before Kristofferson was done writing it.In 2013 he admitted he has suffered from short-term memory loss for several years. He was also diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease that year, although it was later revealed to be a misdiagnosis.Friends with Jeff Bridges and fellow Texan Tommy Lee Jones. Was also friends with the late Warren Oates.Used to work as a commercial helicopter pilot.A couple of years after he got out of the army, Kristofferson joined the Tennessee National Guard. He flew helicopters.Inducted into the Texas Film Hall of Fame on March 10, 2006 in Austin, Texas. The other inductees were Matthew McConaughey, JoBeth Williams, Cybill Shepherd and Lyle Lovett.Father of Tracy Kristofferson (b1962) and Kris Kristofferson (b. 1968) with Frances Beir. Daughter Casey Kristofferson (b. 1974) Heather Lynn Kristofferson born 1977 with Rita Coolidge. Jesse Turner Kristofferson (b. 1984), Jody Ray Kristofferson (b. 1985), Johnny Kristofferson (b. 1988), Kelly Marie Kristofferson (b. 1991) and Blake Cameron Kristofferson (b. 1994) with Lisa Marie Meyers.In June 1999, Kristofferson underwent elective heart bypass.He was one of many names tossed around for the potential role of John Rambo in First Blood (1982). Some producers hoped it would kindle the interest of Kristofferson's friend Sam Peckinpah.Is friends with singer-songwriter Jackson Browne. The two have also toured together. Kristofferson mentions Brown in his song "Eddie the Eunuch".1970: Won the coveted Country Music Song of the Year Award for his song, "Sunday Morning Coming Down", as well as the Country Music Songwriter of the Year Award.Became good friends with the late James Coburn. They worked together on Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (1973), Convoy (1978) and Payback (1999). Coburn also sang some backup vocals on Kristofferson's album "Who's to Bless and Who's to Blame".One of the few male celebrities to have appeared as a model in both Playgirl and Playboy. The Playboy piece was especially daring, with Kristofferson posing with co-star Sarah Miles as a promo for The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea (1976). Kristofferson regretted it, and admitted he had been drunk and couldn't even remember doing it. He posed in Playgirl as a favor to his good friend Jane Fonda, who was interviewed about their movie Rollover (1981).A young Kris Kristofferson can be seen on one of of his album covers in Martin Scorsese's Taxi Driver (1976).Attended Pomona College in Claremont, California, with a B.A. in Creative Literature; graduated in 1958.Was a skilled boxer, rugby, and football player until a string of serious injuries forced him to quit.He was asked to try out for the United States Special Forces, but didn't fancy it.He was going to star as the lead in Hanover Street (1979), but dropped out to mount a concert tour instead. Harrison Ford got the part.Is one of the Four Horsemen of the Country Music Apocalypse along with Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson.Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1985.He never had an acting lesson.He and his second wife Rita Coolidge were one of three married couples to make guest appearances in The Muppet Show (1976). The other two were Roy Rogers and Dale Evans and Robert Shields and Lorene Yarnell Jansson.Wrote two tribute songs to his friend Sam Peckinpah. He called them "Sam's Song (Ask Any Working Girl)" and "One for the Money".He did not talk to his mother for 25 years.Avid golfer.Favorite actors are William Holden, Robert Ryan and Gregory Peck.Close friend of Joan Baez.Tested for the part of Superman in Superman (1978).Cameron Crowe posed as a student at Clairemont High School to get material for the screenplay for Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982). The principal of Clairemont was not thrilled with the idea, but when he asked Crowe about musicians that he had met, he mentioned Kris Kristofferson. The principal was a big fan of Kristofferson and agreed to let Crowe on campus.As a kid, his heroes were Hank Williams and Rocky Graziano.Among his personal heroes are Martin Luther King, Jr., Jesus Christ, and Mohandas Gandhi.The American Veteran Awards named him Veteran of the Year in 2002.He was the first choice for the role of "The Driver" in Two-Lane Blacktop (1971).Got a Phd in literature at Oxford during which time he did construction work amongst other jobs.Spent years doing odd jobs before one of his songs, 'Me and Bobby McGee, became a hit for Don Williams. |
| Name: |
Kris Kristofferson |
Type: |
Music Artist,Actor,Composer (IMDB) |
| Area: |
All World |
Platform: |
IMDB |
| Category: |
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Business scope: |
Music Artist,Actor,Composer |
| Products for sale: |
Music Artist,Actor,Composer |
| Model rank: |
5 |
| Last update: |
2024-07-01 04:44:01 |
Kris Kristofferson profile
| Height: |
5' 10' (1.78 m) |
| Biography: |
Kris Kristofferson was born in Brownsville, Texas, to Mary Ann (Ashbrook) and Lars Henry Kristofferson. His paternal grandparents were Swedish, and his father was a United States Air Force general who pushed his son to a military career. Kris was a G |
| Trivia: |
He got his start in the music business by landing a helicopter in Johnny Cash's backyard and presenting him with a song he had written. Cash went on to record the songHe was set to become a Major when he decided to quit the United States Army Rangers after almost five years.He is a former United States Army Rangers captain. He graduated Airborne School, Ranger School, and flight school, served in Germany, and volunteered for Vietnam as a helicopter pilot, but instead was offered a professor of English Literature position at USMA West Point. Disappointed that he was not allowed to fight in Vietnam, he resigned his position in 1965.He is a good friend of Muhammad Ali and Willie Nelson. He was also a very good friend of the late Johnny Cash.When Kristofferson hosted the season finale of Saturday Night Live (1975) in 1976, the cast and crew reported that he was drunk, and were worried that he wouldn't be able to do it. Still, Kristofferson proved himself to be quite the functioning drunk, and the show went pretty well. Kristofferson has remarked on numerous occasions that his drinking was often a way to survive when performing, because he is pretty shy and does not have a great deal of confidence in himself.Was a member of The Highwaymen with fellow country music stars Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson.It is speculated that either Kristofferson, Warren Beatty, Cat Stevens or Mick Jagger "inspired" the famous song "You're so Vain" by Carly Simon. Kristofferson doesn't think so himself, and said the following when an interviewer asked him about it: "It couldn't have been me, 'cause I've never flown in a Lear jet like that guy in the song.".His brother Kraigher Kristofferson is, like Kris, a veteran of the Armed Forces. Kraigher was a United States Navy fighter pilot and served in the Vietnam War.A fitness fanatic for most of his life, he worked out rigorously up to the mid-1990s, running seven miles daily, worked out on a punching bag and rowing machine and swimming.Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2004.First grew a beard during a hospital stay. He kept it because it made him look older.After seeing Kristofferson perform at the popular tavern The Troubadour in Los Angeles and his appearance in Cisco Pike (1971), Sam Peckinpah decided to cast him as Billy the Kid in Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (1973).Played football with Burt Reynolds in preparation for Semi-Tough (1977). Both men had been outstanding footballers in college - Reynolds almost turned pro.The Rhodes Scholarship, which Kristofferson won to study at Oxford University in England, is widely considered the world's most prestigious academic scholarship. Other notable Rhodes scholars include: Bill Clinton (the 42nd President of the United States), United States Secretary of State Dean Rusk, astronomer Edwin Hubble, film director Terrence Malick, feminist author and critic Naomi Wolf, and political adviser and commentator George Stephanopoulos.He got the leading male role of A Star Is Born (1976) after Elvis Presley couldn't do it. Elvis has also recorded a song written by Kristofferson.He wrote the song "Me and Bobbie (later Bobby) McGee" which Janis Joplin recorded. The song was a hit for Roger Miller in 1969, who started recording it even before Kristofferson was done writing it.In 2013 he admitted he has suffered from short-term memory loss for several years. He was also diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease that year, although it was later revealed to be a misdiagnosis.Friends with Jeff Bridges and fellow Texan Tommy Lee Jones. Was also friends with the late Warren Oates.Used to work as a commercial helicopter pilot.A couple of years after he got out of the army, Kristofferson joined the Tennessee National Guard. He flew helicopters.Inducted into the Texas Film Hall of Fame on March 10, 2006 in Austin, Texas. The other inductees were Matthew McConaughey, JoBeth Williams, Cybill Shepherd and Lyle Lovett.Father of Tracy Kristofferson (b1962) and Kris Kristofferson (b. 1968) with Frances Beir. Daughter Casey Kristofferson (b. 1974) Heather Lynn Kristofferson born 1977 with Rita Coolidge. Jesse Turner Kristofferson (b. 1984), Jody Ray Kristofferson (b. 1985), Johnny Kristofferson (b. 1988), Kelly Marie Kristofferson (b. 1991) and Blake Cameron Kristofferson (b. 1994) with Lisa Marie Meyers.In June 1999, Kristofferson underwent elective heart bypass.He was one of many names tossed around for the potential role of John Rambo in First Blood (1982). Some producers hoped it would kindle the interest of Kristofferson's friend Sam Peckinpah.Is friends with singer-songwriter Jackson Browne. The two have also toured together. Kristofferson mentions Brown in his song "Eddie the Eunuch".1970: Won the coveted Country Music Song of the Year Award for his song, "Sunday Morning Coming Down", as well as the Country Music Songwriter of the Year Award.Became good friends with the late James Coburn. They worked together on Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (1973), Convoy (1978) and Payback (1999). Coburn also sang some backup vocals on Kristofferson's album "Who's to Bless and Who's to Blame".One of the few male celebrities to have appeared as a model in both Playgirl and Playboy. The Playboy piece was especially daring, with Kristofferson posing with co-star Sarah Miles as a promo for The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea (1976). Kristofferson regretted it, and admitted he had been drunk and couldn't even remember doing it. He posed in Playgirl as a favor to his good friend Jane Fonda, who was interviewed about their movie Rollover (1981).A young Kris Kristofferson can be seen on one of of his album covers in Martin Scorsese's Taxi Driver (1976).Attended Pomona College in Claremont, California, with a B.A. in Creative Literature; graduated in 1958.Was a skilled boxer, rugby, and football player until a string of serious injuries forced him to quit.He was asked to try out for the United States Special Forces, but didn't fancy it.He was going to star as the lead in Hanover Street (1979), but dropped out to mount a concert tour instead. Harrison Ford got the part.Is one of the Four Horsemen of the Country Music Apocalypse along with Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson.Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1985.He never had an acting lesson.He and his second wife Rita Coolidge were one of three married couples to make guest appearances in The Muppet Show (1976). The other two were Roy Rogers and Dale Evans and Robert Shields and Lorene Yarnell Jansson.Wrote two tribute songs to his friend Sam Peckinpah. He called them "Sam's Song (Ask Any Working Girl)" and "One for the Money".He did not talk to his mother for 25 years.Avid golfer.Favorite actors are William Holden, Robert Ryan and Gregory Peck.Close friend of Joan Baez.Tested for the part of Superman in Superman (1978).Cameron Crowe posed as a student at Clairemont High School to get material for the screenplay for Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982). The principal of Clairemont was not thrilled with the idea, but when he asked Crowe about musicians that he had met, he mentioned Kris Kristofferson. The principal was a big fan of Kristofferson and agreed to let Crowe on campus.As a kid, his heroes were Hank Williams and Rocky Graziano.Among his personal heroes are Martin Luther King, Jr., Jesus Christ, and Mohandas Gandhi.The American Veteran Awards named him Veteran of the Year in 2002.He was the first choice for the role of "The Driver" in Two-Lane Blacktop (1971).Got a Phd in literature at Oxford during which time he did construction work amongst other jobs.Spent years doing odd jobs before one of his songs, 'Me and Bobby McGee, became a hit for Don Williams. |
| Trademarks: |
Beard and long hair
Deep gravelly voice |
| Quotes: |
I think between us, Bill Clinton and I have settled any lingering myths about the brilliance of Rhodes scholars.
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The number-one rule of the road is never go to bed with anyone crazier than yourself. You will break this rule, and you will be sorry.
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[on working with Barbra Streisand on A Star Is Born (1976)] Filming with Streisand is an experience which may have cured me of movies.
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(on Heaven's Gate (1980)) I was real surprised to see the critics line up on the side of the philistines so fast. To me, the film was about the American dream, and it shows one of the basic flaws in the dream - the idea that money is more important than people. I'll be proud of that movie as long as I'm in the business. It was a work of art. Michael Cimino, the director, says he's unrepentant and plans to sin again, and I hope he gets the chance.
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<hr>
(on the current state of America and the world) I remember getting this creepy feeling back when I was doing "Heaven's Gate" which was about the Cattleman's Association getting government backup to go in with mercenaries and kill a bunch of civilians. I remember thinking at the time that maybe there's always been a dark part of this American dream where money was more important than people. That's exactly what's going down now. The money involved in this Iraq reconstruction is shameless. It's right in your face and everyone can see it. I don't know if its apathy or if it's more a feeling of powerlessness. What can we do? They elected Bush without him really winning the election. The Supreme Court is stacked and we're fixing to stack it worse. All this destruction is done in our name. And the simple things that Bush keeps saying are so embarrassing. He says, "These are evil people who hate peace and hate freedom and that's why they're blowing themselves up." Christ. |
| Job title: |
Music Artist,Actor,Composer |
| Others works: |
(1997) Music video: Appeared in Sin��ad O'Connor's "This Is To Mother You" video.
CD: "The Best of Kris Kristofferson" (Columbia)
(1975) Album: "Who's to Bless . . . Who's to Blame"
(1984) Music video f |
| Spouse: |
Lisa Marie Meyers (February 19, 1983 - present) (5 children)Rita Coolidge (August 17, 1973 - June 26, 1980) (divorced, 2 children)Frances Mavia Beer (February 11, 1961 - August 15, 1973) (divorced, 2 children) |
| Children: |
Child |
| Parents: |
Mary Ann Ashbrook
Lars Henry Kristofferson |
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