Frederic Forrest, ‘Apocalypse Now’ Actor, Dead at Age 86
Published on June 27th, 2023 | Updated on June 27th, 2023 | By FanFest
Frederic Forrest, renowned for his roles in “Apocalypse Now” and “The Rose,” passed away on Friday at the age of 86.
Barry Primus, Forrest’s longtime friend and fellow actor, expressed his sorrow over the loss, stating, “Freddie Forrest’s passing is a significant loss. He was an extraordinary individual, both as a brilliant actor and as the sweet, endearing person he was. He had a keen eye for eccentric characters, both on and off the screen. When you cast Freddie for a role, you received the complete package.”
Forrest passed away peacefully at his home after a long illness, with his loving friend, Helen Sanders, by his side.
Throughout his extensive career in the entertainment industry, Forrest appeared in nearly 100 film and television roles. He gained recognition for his portrayal of Jay “Chef” Hicks in “Apocalypse Now,” starring alongside Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall, Harrison Ford, Dennis Hopper, and Scott Glenn in Francis Ford Coppola’s 1979 Vietnam War epic.
In the same year, Forrest delivered a notable performance opposite Bette Midler and Alan Bates in “The Rose,” earning him a Golden Globe nomination and an Academy Award nomination. He received the National Society of Film Critics’ award for Best Supporting Actor for his work in both films.
Midler shared her condolences on Twitter, writing, “The great and beloved Frederic Forrest has died. Thank you to all of his fans and friends for all their support these last few months. He was a remarkable actor and a brilliant human being, and I was lucky to have him in my life. He was at peace.”
Forrest collaborated with Coppola once again in “One From The Heart” in 1981 and later in 1988 for “Tucker: The Man and His Dream,” alongside Jeff Bridges, Joan Allen, and Martin Landau.
His filmography also includes his role as the original captain on “21 Jump Street,” his collaboration with Joel Schumacher in “Falling Down,” and his appearance in Johnny Depp’s 1997 film with Marlon Brando, “The Brave.”
Primus praised Forrest’s immense contributions and highlighted his exceptional talent when given creative freedom. He described working with him as a treat and a learning experience, emphasizing the enchantment of hearing Forrest’s captivating stories. Primus noted the love present in Forrest’s performances, showcasing his poetic and exuberant personality.
Forrest was previously married to Nancy Ann Whittaker for three years and actress Marilu Henner from 1980 to 1983.
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