10 Tragic Scenes Made by Actors Who Knew They Were Dying
“Levee Got to Be Levee”
Chadwick Boseman, “Ma Rainey's Black Bottom” (2020)
The world was collectively stunned and devastated when Chadwick Boseman passed away, following a private battle with colon cancer, at age 43. In his final film performance, based on the August Wilson play, Boseman plays Levee Green, an ambitious trumpeter. While Levee didn’t actually exist, that doesn’t detract from the power of moments like this one. After being teased by his fellow musicians for his supposed subservience, he launches into a furious monologue about unspeakable trauma from his childhood. The camera stays on Boseman as he recounts this horrifying ordeal and the brutal fallout. In one haunting speech, we have a deeper understanding of both Levee as a character, and an even greater appreciation for Boseman and his immense talent.
"I’ll Try to Mend My Ways"
Ingrid Bergman, “Autumn Sonata” (1978)
Few filmmakers have examined the complexities of life and death quite like Ingmar Bergman. And knowing that Ingrid Bergman (no relation) had been contending with breast cancer for several years adds further pathos to her final theatrical film performance. Bergman plays Charlotte, an acclaimed pianist who reconnects with her estranged daughter, Eva, and is forced to confront the ramifications of her decisions, including the institutionalization of her youngest daughter, Helena. Eva tells her directly of the hurt she’s caused through her wilful neglect. A heartbroken Charlotte vows to change. But they both know it’s likely too little, too late. While there’s much to dislike about Charlotte, Bergman’s brilliant work here captures the pain of no longer being able to run from your past.
“A Few Personal Statements”
Spencer Tracy, “Guess Who's Coming to Dinner” (1967)
As one of the first Hollywood movies to positively depict interracial relationships, "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" is inherently a significant work. However, if there’s one moment that'll stay with you, it's this. Patriarch Matt Drayton, played by Spencer Tracy, candidly voices the gamut of feelings he’s had to process following his daughter’s engagement to Sidney Poitier's doctor. Speaking to his family and future in-laws, Tracy gives Matt’s monologue the dignity and unshowy consideration for which he was renowned. Tracy was in poor health at the time of filming, and would pass away soon after filming wrapped. But he went out on an incredibly high note, with a timeless ode to the power of love in a world that can feel overwhelmed by hate.
“I Did, Lyle”
Richard Farnsworth, “The Straight Story” (1999)
David Lynch is one of the last people you’d expect to make a G-rated film distributed by Disney. But the auteur did just that with this tender road drama, about Alvin Straight, an elderly veteran who traveled from Iowa to Wisconsin on a riding mower to visit his ailing brother. At the time of filming, Farnsworth had been diagnosed with prostate cancer that had partially paralyzed him. But he still managed to give his final performance his all. At the film’s conclusion, the estranged brothers are reunited. Few words are exchanged between the two, but those that do speak volumes. The pain of his illness would eventually lead to Farnsworth taking his own life, giving this already-bittersweet moment further poignancy.
“Life Ain’t Short”
Jason Robards, “Magnolia” (1999)
In this epic, yet intimate ensemble drama from writer-director Paul Thomas Anderson, screen legend Jason Robards plays a TV producer who’s dying from cancer and hoping to make amends with his son before he passes. Robards would die from lung cancer a year after Magnolia’s release. While it’s unclear if he had been diagnosed at the time of filming, he had been dealing with other health complications. In this gut-wrenching scene, Robards' Earl Partridge speaks to Philip Seymour Hoffman's nurse about his regrets. Disgusted at his selfishness, Earl lays into himself. He reflects on how his guilt has not gone away with time. If anything, it’s grown stronger, making his final days painful beyond his physical ailment. And Robards makes every word count.
“Thank You for Coming”
Edward G. Robinson, “Soylent Green” (1973)
Even if you haven't seen this dystopian thriller, there's a good chance you already know its horrifying reveal. But even if pop culture has ruined the surprise. It's still worth watching, particularly to see the great Edward G. Robinson’s final performance. Robinson plays Solomon Roth, who assists Charlton Heston's detective in his investigation. Upon learning what Soylent Green really is, a traumatized Roth chooses to end his life through euthanasia. Robinson, unbeknownst to his co-stars, was ill with bladder cancer, and would die two months after filming completed. Though it may be Sol who’s saying goodbye, it also feels like Robinson is bidding farewell to the generations of fans he’s earned.
“The Wonders of Your Island”
Massimo Troisi, “Il Postino: The Postman” (1994)
This charming Italian dramedy about a fictionalized relationship between renowned Chilean poet Pablo Neruda and Mario, a mail carrier became an international hit. Sadly, its star and co-writer, Massimo Troisi, passed away shortly before its release. Childhood illness had taken a toll on Troisi’s heart, and he was in very poor condition during filming. But he prioritized the film over his health, even postponing a much-needed heart transplant. Having lost contact with Neruda, he is inspired to record the sounds of the island he calls home, from the waves to his unborn child's heartbeat. Right after, the timeline jumps ahead five years, and we learn that Mario has been killed. Only one day after principal photography wrapped, Troisi died of a heart attack, making this ending even more tear-inducing than it already was.
“Disappointed"
Pete Postlethwaite, “Inception” (2010)
You might not recognize Pete Postlethwaite's name. But you very likely know his face from his many memorable supporting turns. In Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending thriller, Postlethwaite plays ailing business magnate Maurice Fischer. While his screen time is limited, his impact is immense. Postlethwaite was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer the year before "Inception"'s release, and his physical decline is apparent on screen. His son Robert, played by Cillian Murphy, visits him at his bedside in his final moments. Hopes for satisfying closure are soon dashed when Robert hears his father’s last words to him. The power of this moment is amplified by the two actors’ amazing work. Murphy is weeping, and we’re right there with him.
Death of J.B. Books
John Wayne, “The Shootist” (1976)
Whether or not John Wayne knew he was terminally ill during production of his final film is unclear. However, the Western icon had multiple bouts with cancer and would die of stomach cancer three years after its release. So, it’s not unlikely that death was on his mind, especially when you consider the film’s subject matter. Wayne plays J.B. Books, a gunslinger dying of cancer. In the final act, he's killed by a cowardly bartender who shoots him in the back. His protege, Gillom, avenges him before quickly swearing off the gunslinger lifestyle, to the dying Books’ relief. Even without saying a word, Wayne shows why he was and remains an absolute legend.
“I Have a Present for You”
Vincent Price, “Edward Scissorhands” (1990)
Growing up, Tim Burton idolized horror legend Vincent Price. And he was fortunate enough to be able to collaborate with his hero, first on the stop-motion short “Vincent
and then on this classic gothic fantasy. Price plays the Inventor, who created the titular Edward. Upon presenting his beloved creation with proper hands, the Inventor collapses and dies before he has the chance to put them on him. During production, Price was stricken with Parkinson' s disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. And the severity of his conditions reduced his availability. Price passed away from lung cancer in 1993. And knowing he was in poor health makes this scene all the more crushing.
Which of these performances touched you the most? Let us know in the comments
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