Gary Kent, the iconic B-movie stunt performer, actor, and director, passed away at the age of 89. Kent was known for his work with Peter Bogdan, Richard Rush, and Monte Hellman, and served as an inspiration for Brad Pitt’s character in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Hollywood mourns his death.
Gary Kent Death
Gary Kent, the renowned B-movie stunt performer, actor, and director, has passed away at the age of 89. Kent, known for his remarkable contributions to the world of cinema, left an indelible mark on the industry. His impressive career spanned over five decades, during which he collaborated with notable filmmakers and served as an inspiration for characters in acclaimed films.
Gary Kent’s Career Spanning Decades
Gary Kent began his career in the film industry in the late 1950s, working in film production offices while landing parts in movies. He quickly gained a reputation as a skilled and fearless stuntman, performing dangerous stunts that few others were willing to attempt.
Over the course of his career, Kent worked on a number of iconic films, including “Easy Rider,” “The Green Berets,” and “El Topo.”
Working on Iconic Films
Kent’s career took off when he talked Jack Nicholson into hiring him for two Monte Hellman-directed Westerns shot back-to-back in 1966 in Kanab, Utah: the Nicholson-penned Ride in the Whirlwind and The Shooting.
He doubled for Nicholson in those movies, impressing the actor with his willingness to fall off a horse without the use of landing pads. Kent also worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Marlon Brando and John Wayne.
A Mentor to Young Stunt Performers
Kent was known for his dedication to his craft and his willingness to take risks in order to achieve the perfect shot. He was also a mentor to many young stunt performers, passing on his knowledge and expertise to the next generation of filmmakers. Kent’s memoir, Shadows & Light: Journeys With Outlaws in Revolutionary Hollywood, was published in 2009.
Chatted with Quentin Tarantino
In Tarantino’s film, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Brad Pitt portrayed the charismatic Cliff Booth, a stunt double for Leonardo DiCaprio’s fading actor Rick Dalton, in an Oscar-winning turn. Kent was interviewed by Tarantino as he was putting together his script for the film, according to Joe O’Connell, who directed Danger God, a documentary about Kent that was released in 2018.
Tributes Pour in for Gary Kent
Kent’s death has been met with an outpouring of tributes from his colleagues and fans in the film industry. Many have praised him for his contributions to the art of filmmaking and his unwavering commitment to his craft. Kent’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers and stunt performers.
In conclusion, Gary Kent was a legendary stuntman, actor, and director who made significant contributions to the film industry. He will be remembered for his dedication to his craft, his willingness to take risks, and his mentorship of young stunt performers.
Kent’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers and stunt performers.
