My great grandfather apparently did the same thing. In times like this it's easy to say he did it for himself, but judging from what we can see of the man's character, he probably didn't want to be any more of a burden to anyone.
Such a sweet man! I fell in love with him the first time I watched Anne of the Green Gables. Sounds pathetic, I know, but he was such a warm person! I wanted to cuddle up right in his arms, instantly.
what a sweet man...and funny too. He was on the Jay Leno show...talking about being a stuntman back in the day.. he said he stopped because "the ground started getting hard!"... then Jay asked him about the Oscars. he said "You know, I'd like to win it!" ... Jay asked about his fiancee: "how long have you been engaged?" ...Richard: "oh, about 10 years"
Jay: "you know, I find that the woman start getting a little impatient after 7... would you like to set a date now?"
Believe it or not, but as we rode one of us would hum tunes from classical opera or light opera & the other would guess what work it came from. He had cut the top of a boot off, stitched the bottom shut & he would put a half-pint of brandy in it & tie it to the back saddle skirt. Just a little refreshment for the ride.
He was a kind & generous man, & a true gentleman as well.
He actually seemed to curse once in scene one of the film. His old lawnmower broke down and he hit it with his cane. It sounded like 'God damn it', but you cannot hear it clearly because the sound of the cane hitting the lawnmower and his 'cursing' coincided. He probably said someting else and this was likely done intentionally since he did not like to curse in his films.
I just joined you tube just so I could leave a comment about Richard Farnsworth ('Daddy Dick', as his son, also a stuntman, was named Richard as well) He was a very dear friend with whom I rode for several years in the late 60s-early 70s when I kept a horse in Burbank. He had a big hammer-headed paint horse that he transported in the back of his Jeep pick-up truck. No loading ramp, he just had trained him to jump into the back.
For God's sack? khaledhamdan1985 - He had inoperable bone cancer. One of the worst types of all cancers. He had had prostate cancer before this and survived. It is rumored that he was in great pain during the making of the movie. I also read that he killed himself so that he would not be a burden on his family.
He's a great actor. Why would a talented, respectful actor like him committe a suicide for God's sack! May his soul rest in peace "insh'llah" means in God willing
I'm a big fan of Richard and was extremely sad when he committed suicide, he seemed like a very sweet soul. It was also sad when he didn't win that Oscar - the suicide was later that year. He was the main character in a movie called The Grey Fox about a "gentleman robber." Has anyone seen it? I've been wishing it would come out on DVD.
...and I have been updating his Wikipedia entry. The only issue is with the cumbersome wiki mark up. I'll add the citations needed once I learn the mark up. In the meanwhile, I would like to contact his family about starting an official site.
But I would have to agree, Frentz probably could take the suicide bit out. While it's true, it comes off as irrespective of his situation. Just substitute the years of his life, or something like, Academy Award nominated actor.
To the end, he was a wonderful man. David Lynch said it best "I had seen his face and those eyes. There's something about him that people just like and he's got natural innocence, strength. You see his soul as he works." --The cinema of David Lynch by Erica Sheen, Annette Davison
In the 1990's, Farnsworth had and was treated for prostate cancer.
When he made the Straight Story he was quite ill. He'd been diagnosed with bone cancer. On many days of shooting the movie, he was in extreme pain.
After the press junket, the numerous in-print interviews, the Oscars, he hung in there for a few months. By October, he was in such extreme pain that he decided to end it all. By all accounts, Farnsworth did not want to be a burden on family and friends. He did leave a note.
First of all, thanks to Frentz for putting this up. This is the only video ever done with Farnsworth that I know of. There might be others on film from another era, but this is the only stuff available to the public. It is well worth saving.
What a great man and actor. Suicide is not a cowardly way out but i would think takes alot of soul searching and contemplation and i wouldnt second guess his decision. Most people couldnt do it.
I hope he wasn't in any kind of pain when he killed himself. Suicide, for me, is not as bad the circumstances that drive one to do it. I just hope he did it out of satisfaction - of his presence in this world. Thanks for the upload
this is one of those things the whole world crys about and watch the movies again... his movies are timless
garfeildzcrib 6 months ago
The most underrated actor of all time.
racekatt 7 months ago
My great grandfather apparently did the same thing. In times like this it's easy to say he did it for himself, but judging from what we can see of the man's character, he probably didn't want to be any more of a burden to anyone.
unholyimage 8 months ago
he died of self-inflicted gunshot wound & Had been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
^ now that i did not expect to find. R.I.P
scaleop4 10 months ago
So very sad for many of us.Another man who God should keep healthy forever.
bear022013 10 months ago
The man was clearly in pain throughout the movie. I'm sure God was there for this man in the end. Wonderful performance and a timeless movie.
driloc 1 year ago
R.I.P Richard you will always be rememberd for the straight story
god bless
johndeere3746 1 year ago 2
@johndeere3746 He was also amazing in The Grey Fox! Check it out sometime.
MisterBorg9 7 months ago
He seemed like one of those people with a kind spirit that shines through.
sydbarrett5 1 year ago
what a nice gentleman...rare these days and he gave a great performance in the Grey Fox.
MrKendobob 1 year ago
RIP...
adamrallyevo8 1 year ago
May God have mercy on his soul.
Snotra 1 year ago
Not quite sure why the poster felt the need to remind everyone he committed suicide, but anyway Richard Farnsworth was still a great actor.
JobberBud 1 year ago
When he was offered the part in The Straigt Story, he told his agent that he woouldn't do it if there were bad words and profanity in the movie.
That was his only condition: that it be a movie to highlight values.
luismdiazf 1 year ago
He was great in Misery and The Straight Story, very engrossing and lovable characters both.
supafly345 1 year ago
I pray God has in his kingdom such wonderful and kind man. We miss you Richard.
Gridseeker 1 year ago
Such a sweet man! I fell in love with him the first time I watched Anne of the Green Gables. Sounds pathetic, I know, but he was such a warm person! I wanted to cuddle up right in his arms, instantly.
Lijge 2 years ago 6
It's so sad that he died... Guy was clearly so sweet. And brilliant.
ialzuguir 2 years ago 10
what a sweet man...and funny too. He was on the Jay Leno show...talking about being a stuntman back in the day.. he said he stopped because "the ground started getting hard!"... then Jay asked him about the Oscars. he said "You know, I'd like to win it!" ... Jay asked about his fiancee: "how long have you been engaged?" ...Richard: "oh, about 10 years"
Jay: "you know, I find that the woman start getting a little impatient after 7... would you like to set a date now?"
"God, I'd hate to!"
Siobanphotogirl 2 years ago
one of the best sleepers of all time - he was made to do that part!
tialeetull 2 years ago 2
He was profoundly a great actor and may he rest in peace.
sakurasoh 3 years ago 14
Believe it or not, but as we rode one of us would hum tunes from classical opera or light opera & the other would guess what work it came from. He had cut the top of a boot off, stitched the bottom shut & he would put a half-pint of brandy in it & tie it to the back saddle skirt. Just a little refreshment for the ride.
He was a kind & generous man, & a true gentleman as well.
viking1938 3 years ago 5
He actually seemed to curse once in scene one of the film. His old lawnmower broke down and he hit it with his cane. It sounded like 'God damn it', but you cannot hear it clearly because the sound of the cane hitting the lawnmower and his 'cursing' coincided. He probably said someting else and this was likely done intentionally since he did not like to curse in his films.
BigBigsby 3 years ago
I just joined you tube just so I could leave a comment about Richard Farnsworth ('Daddy Dick', as his son, also a stuntman, was named Richard as well) He was a very dear friend with whom I rode for several years in the late 60s-early 70s when I kept a horse in Burbank. He had a big hammer-headed paint horse that he transported in the back of his Jeep pick-up truck. No loading ramp, he just had trained him to jump into the back.
viking1938 3 years ago 5
Sorry not the Grey Fox but the Straight Story just to clarify. I clearly need to go to bed :)
ecolihappens 3 years ago
For God's sack? khaledhamdan1985 - He had inoperable bone cancer. One of the worst types of all cancers. He had had prostate cancer before this and survived. It is rumored that he was in great pain during the making of the movie. I also read that he killed himself so that he would not be a burden on his family.
ecolihappens 3 years ago
He's a great actor. Why would a talented, respectful actor like him committe a suicide for God's sack! May his soul rest in peace "insh'llah" means in God willing
khaledhamdan1985 3 years ago
he wanted to die on his own terms and not let the cancer have the last word.
Siobanphotogirl 2 years ago 3
He's great! Always be! wheverer he is!
tiomau 4 years ago
Red from "The Natural!" Great actor.
mrbradj 4 years ago
Richard Farnsworth reminds me of my late grandfather. RIP both of you.
Atta67 4 years ago 5
Reminds me of my late grandfather as well, both great people. Always gets me watching his movies. RIP both.
Sprice4984 3 years ago 3
I'm a big fan of Richard and was extremely sad when he committed suicide, he seemed like a very sweet soul. It was also sad when he didn't win that Oscar - the suicide was later that year. He was the main character in a movie called The Grey Fox about a "gentleman robber." Has anyone seen it? I've been wishing it would come out on DVD.
alevine1951 4 years ago
I love "The Grey Fox" and still have an old VHS copy.
I've been hoping it would come out on DVD too!
dflavin99504 4 years ago
Go to any movie site like deepdiscountdvd or amazon. It is there.
ecolihappens 3 years ago
...and I have been updating his Wikipedia entry. The only issue is with the cumbersome wiki mark up. I'll add the citations needed once I learn the mark up. In the meanwhile, I would like to contact his family about starting an official site.
ezwriter101 4 years ago
But I would have to agree, Frentz probably could take the suicide bit out. While it's true, it comes off as irrespective of his situation. Just substitute the years of his life, or something like, Academy Award nominated actor.
ezwriter101 4 years ago
To the end, he was a wonderful man. David Lynch said it best "I had seen his face and those eyes. There's something about him that people just like and he's got natural innocence, strength. You see his soul as he works." --The cinema of David Lynch by Erica Sheen, Annette Davison
ezwriter101 4 years ago
In the 1990's, Farnsworth had and was treated for prostate cancer.
When he made the Straight Story he was quite ill. He'd been diagnosed with bone cancer. On many days of shooting the movie, he was in extreme pain.
After the press junket, the numerous in-print interviews, the Oscars, he hung in there for a few months. By October, he was in such extreme pain that he decided to end it all. By all accounts, Farnsworth did not want to be a burden on family and friends. He did leave a note.
ezwriter101 4 years ago
First of all, thanks to Frentz for putting this up. This is the only video ever done with Farnsworth that I know of. There might be others on film from another era, but this is the only stuff available to the public. It is well worth saving.
ezwriter101 4 years ago
It took great courage to hold the moral position he did through life as well as to take the action he did to end it.
Why was it required for the poster to indicate he comitted suicide? How does that improve anything?Why not just celebrate Dick's life?
He was the real deal and most people are not. RIP, my brother.
crowtalk 4 years ago 2
He was so adorable and wonderful in The Straight Story. RIP Richard
elmancho 4 years ago
R.I.P. Richard
gb5921 5 years ago
What a great man and actor. Suicide is not a cowardly way out but i would think takes alot of soul searching and contemplation and i wouldnt second guess his decision. Most people couldnt do it.
mannster21 5 years ago
OMG!!! RIP Richard.
:( I didn't know that till now...poor thing.
hannahbananahamock 5 years ago
I hope he wasn't in any kind of pain when he killed himself. Suicide, for me, is not as bad the circumstances that drive one to do it. I just hope he did it out of satisfaction - of his presence in this world. Thanks for the upload
englishtamil 5 years ago
he was dying from very painful cancer.
frentz 5 years ago
@englishtamil
I believe he did it when he found out that he was diagnosed with terminal cancer....
TheGimpPimp1 10 months ago