I just returned from seeing the new Sandra Bullock movie, The Blind Side, co-starring Tim McGraw, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The movie is very much Bullock's film, and she is excellent - even Oscar-worthy according to some early pundits - but McGraw's portrayal has gained some very positive feedback, too. The LA Times reported that McGraw displayed "an easygoing charm," while Variety wrote that McGraw "again evidences quietly impressive thespian ability."
This got me to thinking about how country stars seem to be relatively successful at crossing-over into films and television. McGraw is currently carving out a nice career in Hollywood. Dwight Yoakam has appeared in numerous films to date and almost always to very positive reviews. His frightening portrayal of the evil Doyle Hargraves in the Billy Bob Thornton flick, Sling Blade, is quintessential creepy, and it really established him as an actor to be taken seriously. Dolly Parton has enjoyed success in a slew of big-budget films, including Steel Magnolias, Straight Talk, Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and, of course, 9 to 5. Willie Nelson has appeared in over thirty films, including his first film, 1979's The Electric Horseman, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, The Dukes of Hazzard and Beer For My Horses, co-starring Toby Keith.
Of course, country music has a rich history in Hollywood. Gene Autry, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans were household names even to non-country music fans back in the '30s, '40s and '50s. Marty Robbins, Glen Campbell, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Don Williams and Faron Young all appeared in numerous major motion pictures. The list is long. I loved Reba McEntire's hilarious portrayal of an armed-to-the-teeth, NRA-loving monster killer in Tremors. Then she had her own televisions series. And what about Billy Ray Cyrus, who's had a couple of different television shows, including the mega-successful "Hannah Montana?"
Do you have a favorite film starring a country music star or a favorite movie or television role portrayed by a country singer? Let us know in the comments section down below!
Photo © Getty Images - Jim Spellman
Comments
Here’s a question for you – Cissy Spacek won an Academy Award for playing Loretta Lynn and did her own singing. Is she “cross-over” or is she just not considered a singer? Reese Witherspoon did the same thing – but doesn’t have a musical career either. What gives?
Hey Sean, isn’t that Dolly movie supposed to be “Straight Talk,” not “Talk Radio?” It also co-starred James Woods.
I love the movie, wish she would do more of them.
Tex Ritter once said, “It has been my good luck to be involved in every facet in the cultural growth of country, western, and gospel music– the recording industry, radio, barn dances, fairs, rodeos, movies, television, and all the rest”.
One of the “most popular American heros” was Audie Murphy; the “most decorated soldier of World War II; Oscar winner, recording artist, and songwriter.
are we forgetting Chris Christofferson?
Got to be Kriss Kristofferson, love Convoy
WOW, You guys don’t have a CLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!