“DXN CRMH YPXYFP….. (Please refer to your newspaper for complete puzzle.)
TODAY’S CLUE: I = F
ANSWER: “YOU WANT PEOPLE WALKING AWAY FROM THE CONVERSATION WITH SOME KERNEL OF WISDOM OR SOME KIND OF IMPACT.” —HARRY DEAN STANTON
HARRY DEAN STANTON
July 14, 1926 – September 15, 2017 · aged 91
Overview
Harry Dean Stanton was an American actor known for his quietly magnetic presence and unmatched ability to command a scene with restraint. He built a career playing outsiders, drifters, and worn-down souls, often stealing focus with minimal dialogue and maximum authenticity.
Early Life
Stanton was born in Kentucky and raised in a working-class environment that shaped his grounded, unpolished screen persona. He studied acting and music, eventually moving west where his unconventional look and demeanor set him apart from traditional leading men.
Breakthrough Roles
Though he appeared in dozens of films early on, Stanton gained widespread recognition through memorable supporting roles that lingered long after the credits. His performances often felt lived-in, conveying entire backstories without exposition.
Paris, Texas
Stanton’s leading role in *Paris, Texas* redefined his career. The performance was restrained, haunting, and emotionally precise, earning him international acclaim and cementing his status as one of cinema’s most quietly powerful actors.
Later Career
Stanton continued acting steadily into his later years, appearing in independent films, television, and collaborations with directors who deeply valued his instinctive realism. He remained selective, favoring character over spectacle.
Style & Influence
Stanton influenced generations of actors by proving that subtlety could be unforgettable. His performances rejected polish in favor of truth, making him a reference point for filmmakers drawn to realism and emotional economy.
Sources