David Carradine (1936 - 2009)

Posted: Thursday, June 04, 2009 by Travis Cody in
11


David Carradine died Wednesday. He was 72.

Mr Carradine was found hanged in his hotel room in Thailand, where he was shooting a new film. He starred in more than 100 films and is probably best known for his role as a Shaolin monk in the TV series Kung Fu, which ran from 1972 to 1975.

I couldn't name a favorite western. But The Long Riders is on the list. Mr Carradine starred as Cole Younger and was joined by his brothers Keith as Jim Younger and Robert as Bob Younger. Stacy and James Keach played Jesse and Frank James. Dennis and Randy Quaid played Ed and Clell Miller. And Christopher and Nicholas Guest played Charlie and Bob Ford.

I'm not well-versed in the facts and history of the James-Younger gang, but if there was a fictionalized version of the story that was closest to the truth, I'd vote for The Long Riders. I want this version to be the truth because it doesn't glorify or vilify the actions of the men. They did what they did, and they paid for it.

Preliminary reports are that Mr Carradine may have committed suicide. Whether that's the case or not, he was a favorite of mine and I hope he is at peace.


8 December 1936 – 3 June 2009

11 comments:

  1. Mike Golch says:
    04 June, 2009 18:55

    He will be missed,that is for sure.

  1. katherine. says:
    04 June, 2009 19:52

    I liked "The Long Riders" version as well...I've read many accounts...but this one with brothers playing brothers was interesting to watch.

    I second your wish for his peace.

  1. John Holland says:
    04 June, 2009 20:13

    Very sad.

  1. Jeff B says:
    04 June, 2009 20:15

    "When you can snatch the object from my hand, then Grasshopper, you will be ready."

    My brothers and I used to watch Kung Fu when it was on and would act out the martial arts scenes with each other.

    Saw the news of his death on the news today and was surprised.

  1. Charles Gramlich says:
    04 June, 2009 23:22

    The two movies I like most with Carradine in them is The Long Riders and Lone Wolf McQuade.

  1. Anonymous says:
    05 June, 2009 02:11

    I don't remember much of him. I hope he is resting in peace now. Sad story if ya ask me.

  1. Anonymous says:
    05 June, 2009 03:54

    He will always be Kwai Chang Caine to me. I absolutely loved Kung Fu! Such great life lessons in that show.

  1. Noe Noe Girl...A Queen of all Trades. says:
    05 June, 2009 04:49

    This was so sad. What a loss. I always liked watching him on TV.

  1. Marsha says:
    05 June, 2009 05:56

    I love The Long Riders, it's a quirky western and cool with brothers playing brothers.

    Keith and Robert are my favorite brothers, but David and his 'free spirit' ways will be missed.

  1. Travis Cody says:
    05 June, 2009 17:03

    Mike: Yup.

    Katherine: I think it was balanced, which is what I liked most.

    John: Indeed.

    Jeff: I think his final tv appearance is on that new show Mental.

    Charles: Lone Wolf McQuade is another good one.

    Thom: Very sad.

    Barb: I didn't watch the series when it first aired, but I've caught many of the episodes on TV Land.

    NNG: It's definitely a shame.

    Marsha: I enjoy everything about that movie.

  1. Julie says:
    23 June, 2009 21:41

    This was a sad story.

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