Associated Press is reporting that John Vernon, who played Dean Wormer in Animal House has died. He was also the voice of Iron Man and Prince Namor in the 60s Marvel Superheroes cartoons.
I had not heard that until I read your post. John Vernon was a classy actor who always brought something special to his roles. Even though we will always (most likely) remember him as Dean Wormer, he did so much more. He could make us laugh in comedies, or cringe when he was a villain. I also, for some reason, was particularly fond of his role in THE OUTLAW JOSEY WALES. I liked him in tough guy roles. Irregardless the role, he did it well. He will be missed.
I just read his IMDB profile a week ago too. RIP John you were a great actor.
Well damn it, Rodney Dangerfield, Johnny Carson, and now John Vernon. While never given one iota of respect in the mainstream, John Vernon was indeed one of the few character actors who had the capability to bring class in any film or TV show he appeared in. And while we all remeber Vernon as Dean Wormer in ANIMAL HOUSE (and may I say he was just damn fantastic in that film), let us not forget him as the dispicable Officer Curtis Mooney in KILLER KLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE, another fine film in which his performance just shines with class. I'll miss ya', John.
I think I'll watch KILLER KLOWN's again tonight, for old times sake.
Indeed very,very sad news to hear,for he'll be another much admired B movie celebrity that'll wel all heavily miss.
rest in Peace,Dean Wormer.
As my friend, Ron Davis, said in his blog, remember his words of wisdom, "Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life."
Does this mean the end of double secret probation?
Don't forget him as Mr. Big in I'm Gonna Git You Sucka.
The obits reported he was the voice of Big Brother in the original film version of "1984". I want to seek that one out even more so now. Apparently his American film debut was as Mal Reese in the classic psuedo-noir thriller "Point Blank" with Lee Marvin and Angie Dickinson.
LIke it has been said, he was not a big star, but he was one of those familiar character actors like Jeff Corey, John Marley, Ed Lauter or Strother Martin who got you encouraged when you saw their name in the opening credits.