Recommendations of the Editorial team
Whether as a vengeful preacher in Red Headed Stranger or as a murderous version of himself in Monk: Willie Nelson feels at home in front of the camera as well as on stage. With natural charisma and a casual dialogue style (his phrasing is as unique as his singing), Nelson has already attracted directors since Sydney Pollack put him alongside Robert Redford in “The Electric Horseman”. Here is a dozen of his most unforgettable roles, from his epic Miami Vice appearance in 1986 to a Taco-Bell commercial 1991.
The Electric Horseman (1979)
With the words: “I don’t know about you, but i’m gonna get me a Bottle of Tequila …” Nelson made his film debut unforgettable. As Wendell, cowboy buddy of the removed Rodeo Champions Sonny Steele (Robert Redford), he stole the scenes. Whether he stealed courage after too much alcohol or philosophized about media people-Wendell was full of western wisdom. Of course, Pollack also let him sing: At the right moment he taught “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys”.
Honeysuckle Rose (1980)
Oscar did not exist for Nelson’s spectacle, but “On the Road Again” brought a nomination for the best film song. The music drama tells of country singer Buck Bonham, whose family life suffers from the temptations of tour life. In addition to Nelson, Emmylou Harris, Johnny Gimble and the Family Band shine. Ballads like “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground” make the film unforgettable.
Barbarosa (1982)
As a braid -in -cheek Outlaw, Nelson rode through this underestimated western. Gary Busey played the sidekick, screenwriter William D. Wittliff wrote the template. No success on the box office, today the film has 100 percent on Rotten Tomatoes – aged like a good whiskey, just like Nelson.
Songwriter (1984)
Together with Kris Kristofferson, Nelson immersed themselves in the dark side of the music business. He played a clammy musician who creates with greasy promoters, hits young country singers and performs lots of songs. Parallels to Nelson’s real life included.
StagoCoach (1986)
The TV remake of the John Wayne classic became the show run of the Highwaymen: Nelson, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and Kristofferson. In addition, guest appearances by June Carter, Jessi Colter and David Allan Coe. Schauspiel art secondary – pure star power.
Miami Vice (1986)
In the legendary episode appearance “El Viejo”, Nelson embodied the quirky Texas Ranger Jake Pierson. With cowboy hat and a serious eye, he helped Crockett and Tubbs in the drug war, collected a ball and died in the best western manner-one of the most cult guest roles in the series.
Red Headed Stranger (1986)
The film version of his album had Nelson built on his ranch in Texas. He played reverend Julian Shay, who becomes vengeful after betrayal. The scene city of “Luck, Texas” still exists as a retreat for the musician.
Taco-Bell advertising spot (1991)
After millions of tax debts, Nelson had to be creative-and sang Burritos in a Taco-Bell-Spot. Even satirist Bill Hicks didn’t resent him. The song in the advertising film (“The Woman with the Rose Tattoo”) was better than expected.
Wag the Dog (1997)
As a songwriter Johnny Dean, Nelson contributed satirical country songs such as “Good Old Shoe” to the fake war farce. A brilliant appearance in an equally brilliant political satire.
Half Baked (1998)
In the cult film with Dave Chappelle, Nelson played the “Historian Smoker”, which tells of the good old stoner times. A short appearance – but a role as for him.
The Simpsons (2000)
Nelson appeared in the episode “Behind the Laughter”. His voice brought Springfield together again and finally combined him with America’s cult family.
Monk (2002)
When he himself was accused Nelson of murdering his manager. Of course innocent, he was still allowed to sing “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” – accompanied by Monk on the clarinet solo.
A Colbert Christmas (2008)
In Stephen Colbert’s Christmas special sang Nelson in the turban “The Little Dealer Boy”. With the most dead expression, he parodyed the three kings – whether serious or known, remains open.