Ever since the 1979 film, The Electric Horseman, Willie Nelson has not only been an icon of the stage and recording studio, but he’s also a popular actor. To date, Nelson boasts dozens of appearances in movies and television shows.
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But what are the three must-see films? Here, we will dive into three movies every Willie Nelson fan should see. Three films that showcase his charm and even his musicality.
[RELATED: Review: Willie Nelson’s New Album ‘Bluegrass’ is a Romp]
1. Honeysuckle Rose (1980)
Released in 1980, Honeysuckle Rose came about after Nelson was in the earlier movie The Electric Horseman. There, he played Wendell Hickson. On the movie set, Nelson also got close with producer Sydney Pollack, who produced Honeysuckle Rose and cast Nelson. In the western flick, Nelson plays the lead role of Buck Bonham, a country singer looking for an audience and maybe a little love. Check out the trailer below.
2. Songwriter (1984)
The 1984 movie, Songwriter, stars Nelson and country icon Kris Kristofferson, who is another notable actor in movies like the Blade series. The movie, though, focuses on Nelson’s character Doc Jenkins, who has to get out of a contract with a Nashville exec. Drama ensues. Check out the trailer for the movie, which is loosely based on Nelson’s life.
3. Red Headed Stranger (1986)
Based on Nelson’s 1975 album of the same name, Red Headed Stranger stars Nelson as Julian Shay, a preacher who travels to Montana. Nelson ends up having to stand up against the local corrupt crook, Larn Clavers. The movie was written by William D. Wittliff, who also worked on Honeysuckle Rose. Check out the movie trailer below.
Bonus: Half Baked (1998)
Nelson gives a cameo appearance in this stoner comedy. Known for his love of weed, Nelson, plays on that detail in the movie, starring comedian Dave Chappelle. Check his stoner scene below.
Photo: Rachael Polack / Provided by The Oriel
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