Introduction
When it comes to 80s movies, you can’t forget about Paul Gleason, who played some of the most iconic villains in those films. From his portrayal of Deputy Police Chief Dwayne T. Robinson in Die Hard to Principal Richard Vernon in The Breakfast Club, he always captivated the audience with his acting skills. However, there is more to Paul Gleason than just his work as an actor. In this blog post, we will explore 5 things you didn’t know about this legendary 80s movie villain.
1. An Army Veteran
Paul Gleason served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, and did not take part in any combat actions. After he returned from service, he pursued a career in acting, which eventually led him to Hollywood.
2. Worked as a Stand-up Comedian
Before becoming an actor, Paul Gleason worked as a stand-up comedian. He performed at various comedy clubs throughout the country and developed a unique sense of humor. In fact, his humor was so good that he was once invited to perform on The Ed Sullivan Show.
3. A Classically Trained Actor
Paul Gleason was a classically trained actor who studied at the famed Actor’s Studio in New York City. He honed his craft and developed a reputation as a versatile actor who could play a range of characters.
4. Was a Member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Paul Gleason was a respected member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the organization responsible for organizing the Academy Awards. He was a voting member and participated in the nomination process for the awards.
5. Lost the Role of Detective John McClane
One of the most interesting things you may not have known about Paul Gleason is that he was originally considered for the role of Detective John McClane in Die Hard. However, the producers eventually decided to cast Bruce Willis, who was a relatively unknown actor at the time. Gleason was still offered a role in the movie, but it was a much smaller part than the one he had hoped for.
FAQs
Q1. What was Paul Gleason’s most famous role?
A1. Paul Gleason’s most famous role was that of Deputy Police Chief Dwayne T. Robinson in the hit movie Die Hard.
Q2. Was Paul Gleason married?
A2. Yes, Paul Gleason was married twice in his life. His first marriage ended in divorce, and he was married to his second wife until his death.
Q3. Did Paul Gleason have any children?
A3. Yes, Paul Gleason had two children, a son and a daughter.
Q4. What other movies did Paul Gleason appear in besides Die Hard and The Breakfast Club?
A4. Paul Gleason appeared in a number of other movies, including Trading Places, Johnny Be Good, and National Lampoon’s Van Wilder.
Q5. Did Paul Gleason receive any awards for his acting?
A5. No, Paul Gleason did not receive any major awards for his acting, but he was a respected member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Q6. Was Paul Gleason a method actor?
A6. Yes, Paul Gleason was a method actor who believed in the power of immersive acting techniques.
Q7. What was Paul Gleason’s cause of death?
A7. Paul Gleason passed away on May 27, 2006, due to mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs.
Conclusion
Paul Gleason may have passed away, but his legacy lives on through his movies. We hope that this blog post gave you some insights into the life of this legendary 80s movie villain. If you are a fan of Paul Gleason or 80s movies in general, please share this post with your friends and family.