The entertainment world mourns the loss of an influential figure, as the celebrated country music artist and Hollywood actor Kris Kristofferson has passed away at 88 years old, as stated by his family.
Kristofferson, known for his Grammy-winning music career and film roles in productions like Blade and Planet of the Apes, took his last breath quietly at his residence in Maui on Saturday, September 28, surrounded by his loved ones.
A heartfelt announcement from Kristofferson's wife Lisa and their eight offspring—Tracy, Kris Jr., Casey, Jesse, Jody, John, Kelly, and Blake—has been shared. They expressed their gratitude for the moments time enjoyed alongside him and expressed appreciation to supporters for their enduring support. They also noted, "When you see a rainbow, please remember he’s smiling down upon us." The family has requested privacy during this difficult period.
In addition to his remarkable musical accomplishments, which started in the late 1960s, Kristofferson appeared in various films, such as Martin Scorsese's 1974 romantic comedy *Alice Is No Longer in Town* and the iconic 1976 musical A Star Is Born with Barbra Streisand.
Kristofferson is perhaps best remembered for his portrayal of Abraham Whistler in Marvel's Blade trilogy and Karubi in the 2001 reboot of Planet of the Apes. His final performance was as Edwin Fuller in the 2018 biopic about the life of country musician Blaze Foley, directed by Ethan Hawke.
Guillermo del Toro, the creative mind behind Blade II, paid tribute to Kristofferson on social media, describing him as a principled and humorous individual who created a notable effect during their period of employment together. His message showcased the deeply respected legacy left behind by Kristofferson.
Additionally, Kristofferson lent his voice to video game characters, including Ned White in the 2005 game Gun and Chief Hanlon in the 2010 adventure Fallout: New Vegas.
Dolly Parton shared her sorrow over his passing, acknowledging his immense talent as a writer, actor, and friend. Barbra Streisand also expressed admiration, recalling that she recognized his exceptional talent from their first encounter.
Fans and fellow artists will long remember the remarkable contributions Kristofferson made to both music and film, ensuring that his legacy endures for generations to come.