Born: December 30, 1942 – Died: May 8, 2022
Born on December 30, 1942, in San Diego, California, USA, Fred Ward was a remarkable actor known for his captivating presence on screen. With intense eyes, a sly grin, and a somewhat grizzled appearance, Ward left a lasting impression in the world of entertainment. He embarked on his acting journey after serving three years in the US Air Force and honed his craft at New York's Herbert Berghof Studio. Ward's career took him from Europe, where he dubbed Italian movies, to the United States, where he made his mark in numerous films and television programs. His significant contributions as a character actor earned him a Golden Globe, and his versatile talent ensured his place in Hollywood's annals.
Early Life and Career
Fred Ward's childhood and upbringing were marked by his curiosity and a desire for adventure. He didn't attend a university, as his path led him to the US Air Force, where he served for three years before discovering his passion for acting. His journey into the world of entertainment began when he studied at New York's Herbert Berghof Studio, where he honed his acting skills.
Ward's first professional role on-screen came in Europe, where he dubbed Italian movies. However, it was upon his return to the United States that he secured his first significant role alongside Clint Eastwood in the nail-biting prison film "Escape from Alcatraz."
The role that catapulted Fred Ward into stardom was his portrayal of astronaut Gus Grissom in the critically acclaimed film "The Right Stuff" in 1983. This role not only earned him recognition but also contributed significantly to his successful career in Hollywood.
Throughout his career, Ward garnered several awards, including a Golden Globe. His notable roles in films like "Short Cuts" and "Tremors" showcased his versatility and acting prowess.
In his personal life, Fred Ward was married to Marie-France Boisselle from December 1995 until his death in May 2022. The couple had a son named Django Ward. Besides his acting talent, Ward was known for his involvement in dubbing spaghetti westerns into English during his time in Italy.
Fred Ward made a lasting impact on Hollywood and the entertainment industry as a versatile character actor. He was not only recognized for his acting skills but also celebrated for his unique presence on screen. Though not always in the spotlight, Ward's contributions to cinema left an indelible mark, making him a respected figure in the world of film and television.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Tremors (TV Movie) | Earl Bassett (rumored) |
| 2015 | True Detective (TV Series) | Eddie Velcoro |
| 2013 | 2 Guns | Admiral Tuwey |
| 2012 | Leverage (TV Series) | Steve Reynolds |
| 2011 | 30 Minutes or Less | The Major |
| 2009–2010 | United States of Tara (TV Series) | Frank |
| 2010 | In Plain Sight (TV Series) | Frank Jergens | Frank Jerome |
| 2009 | Armored | Duncan Ashcroft |
| 2009 | The Wild Stallion | Frank |
| 2009 | Farewell | Reagan |
| 2008 | Management | Jerry |
| 2008 | Exit Speed | Sergeant Archie Sparks |
| 2007 | Feast of Love | Bat |
| 2006–2007 | ER (TV Series) | Eddie | Eddie Wyczenski |
| 2006 | Grey's Anatomy (TV Series) | Denny Duquette, Sr. |
| 2004 | Funky Monkey | Don Decker |
| 2004 | The Last Ride (TV Movie) | Darryl Kurtz | 2004 (TV Mini Series) | Roy Nolan, FEMA Director |
| 2003 | Coast to Coast (TV Movie) | Hal Kressler |
| 2003 | Masked and Anonymous | Drunk |
| 2002 | Georgetown (TV Movie) | Unknown |
| 2002 | Sweet Home Alabama | Earl Smooter |
| 2002 | Birdseye | Nolan Sharpless |
| 2002 | Enough | Jupiter |
| 2002 | Abandon | Lieutenant Bill Stayton |
| 2001 | Dice (TV Mini Series) | Gacy | Noah Aldis |
| 2001 | Corky Romano | Leo Corrigan |
| 2001 | Summer Catch | Sean Dunne |
| 2001 | Wild Iris (TV Movie) | Errol Podubney |
| 2001 | Full Disclosure (Video) | John McWhirter |
| 2001 | Joe Dirt | Joe's Dad |
| 2000 | Filter: The Best Things (Music Video) | Cop |
| 2000 | Jackie Bouvier Kennedy Onassis (TV Movie) | John Vernon 'Black Jack' Bouvier III |
| 2000 | The Crow: Salvation | The Captain |
| 2000 | Road Trip | Earl Edwards |
| 2000 | Circus | Elmo |
| 2000 | Ropewalk | Charlie's dad |
| 2000 | The Chaos Factor | Max Camden |
| 1999 | Red Team | Retired FBI agent |
| 1999 | The Vivero Letter | Andrew Fallon |
| 1998 | Invasion Earth (TV Mini Series) | Maj. Gen. David Reece |
| 1998 | Dangerous Beauty | Domenico Venier |
| 1997 | Best Men | Sheriff Phillips |
| 1997 | Gun (TV Series) | John Farragut |
| 1997 | ...First Do No Harm (TV Movie) | Dave Reimuller |
| 1996 | Chain Reaction | FBI Agent Leon Ford |
| 1996 | Tremors II: Aftershocks (Video) | Earl Bassett |
| 1995 | Un bruit qui rend fou | Frank |
| 1994 | Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult | Rocco |
| 1993 | Short Cuts | Stuart Kane |
| 1993 | Two Small Bodies | Lt. Brann |
| 1992 | Four Eyes and Six-Guns (TV Movie) | Wyatt Earp |
| 1992 | Bob Roberts | Chip Daley |
| 1992 | Equinox | Mr. Paris |
| 1992 | Thunderheart | Jack Milton |
| 1992 | The Player | Walter Stuckel |
| 1991 | Cast a Deadly Spell (TV Movie) | Det. Harry Philip Lovecraft |
| 1985–1991 | American Playhouse (TV Series) | Mr. Crouch | Royal Earle Thompson |
| 1991 | The Dark Wind | Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn |
| 1990 | Henry & June | Henry Miller |
| 1990 | Miami Blues | Sgt. Hoke Moseley |
| 1990 | Catchfire | Pauling |
| 1990 | Tremors | Earl Bassett |
| 1988 | The Prince of Pennsylvania | Gary Marshetta |
| 1988 | Big Business | Roone Dimmick |
| 1988 | Off Limits | Dix |
| 1987 | The Price of Life (Short) | Crouch |
| 1987 | The Hitchhiker (TV Series) | Luthor Redmond |
| 1986 | Florida Straits (TV Movie) | Lucky Boone |
| 1985 | Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins | Remo Williams |
| 1985 | Secret Admirer | Lou Fimple |
| 1984 | UFOria | Sheldon Bart |
| 1984 | Swing Shift | Biscuits Toohey |
| 1983 | Uncommon Valor | Wilkes |
| 1983 | Silkwood | Morgan |
| 1983 | The Right Stuff | Gus Grissom |
| 1982 | Timerider: The Adventure of Lyle Swann | Lyle Swann |
| 1981 | Southern Comfort | Reece |
| 1980 | Carny | Jack |
| 1980 | Belle Starr (TV Movie) | Ned Christie |
| 1979 | Cardiac Arrest | Jamie |
| 1979 | The Incredible Hulk (TV Series) | Marvin | Lynch's Henchman |
| 1979 | Escape from Alcatraz | John Anglin |
| 1979 | Tilt | Lenny |
| 1978 | Quincy M.E. (TV Series) | Hostage Taker (uncredited) |
| 1975 | Hearts of the West | Sam (uncredited) |
| 1974 | Ginger in the Morning | Truck Driver |
| 1974 | Cartesius (TV Movie) | Unknown |
| 1973 | The Age of the Medici (TV Mini Series) | Niccolò de' Conti |
General:
Posted Using InLeo Alpha
