Frederic Forrest, Apocalypse Now Star, Passes Away At 86

Method actor Frederic Forrest, who starred in Apocalypse Now (1979), and gave other excellent performances like in The Rose, released in the same year, passed away on June 23 at his home in Santa Monica.

The actress Bette Midler, who co-starred him in The Rose (1979), spread the news. She released a message of honor to the actor, thanking him for all the support he gave her in the past. This news was also confirmed by the actor’s sister, who communicated his passing.

Frederic Forrest Passes Away at 86

Image: United Artists

The news first appeared on Bette Midler’s Twitter account, who informed of his death and thanked him for all the support and love he gave her. She commented on the following in her publication:

“The great and beloved Frederic Forrest has died. Thank you to his fans and friends for their support these last few months. He was a remarkable actor and a brilliant human being, and I was lucky to have him in my life. He was at peace.”

Forrest played Chef Jay Hicks in Francis Ford Coppola’s film Apocalypse Now. In it, he played this wounded and delirious cook on a patrol boat and later died. Some still remember the famous phrase of the character, “I didn’t come here for this, I don’t fucking need this, all I wanted to do is fucking cook”.

For Frederic Forrest’s performance, Coppola hired him for other films such as One From the Heart (1981), Hammett (1982), The Conversation (1974) and Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988). The filmmaker also wrote on his social media upon hearing the news, highlighting Forrest’s qualities as an actor and person. In his post, he wrote the following:

“Freddie Forrest was a sweet, much beloved person, a wonderful actor and a good friend. His loss is heartbreaking to me”. 

Other Details of the Apocalypse Now Actor’s Life

Forrest was born in Waxahachie, Texas, on December 23, 1936, spending much of his youth in this region. He attended Texas Christian University, where he earned a Distinguished Alumni Award.

His career began working with Sanford Meisner on stage, but away from Broadway, developing the production Viet Rock. He then decided to undertake in Hollywood, where he found his first role in When the Legends Die, released in 1972, whose participation allowed him to be nominated for the Golden Globe Awards in 1973.

Frederic Forrest later developed productions with Coppola and participated in others, such as Falling Down, released in 1993. In this movie, he plays a member of the White Supremacist who is killed by the protagonist, who Michael Douglas represents.

Another production he participated in was the Western The Missouri Breaks, which premiered in 1976. In this film, he shared experiences with renowned Hollywood actors such as Marlon Brando and Jack Nicholson. He also participated in The Two Jakes, Valley Girl, Point Blank and Trauma.

Frederic Forrest also starred in television programs such as Lonesome Dove, a western that premiered in 1989. He also participated in Quo Vadis, released in 1951, a production based on historical events of the Roman Empire during the time of Emperor Nero. Finally, he was in the police series 21 Jump Street, released in 1987, playing Captain Richard.

In Forrest’s remaining family are his sister Ginger Forrest Jackson, his brother-in-law David and his nephews, Forrest Allen Jackson and Sally Jackson Brezic. He also has other nieces and nephews living in Los Angeles: Jackson Galbraith, Leah Jackson and Helen Sanders. 

According to his relatives, Forrest died at 86 years of age in peace and tranquility and without suffering any agony.

Featured Image Via United Artists 

I am a circus aerialist influenced by Dick Grayson and Spider-Man. Fortunate to write about the characters that inspired me. I also have a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and a Master's degree in International Trade.