While Willie Nelson will always be most known for his music career, he’s also made significant waves in the movie world. Nelson has secured many cameos, supporting roles, and top billings in his time. He’s played cowboys, musicians, and…cowboy musicians. Though he has many to choose from, find our three favorite Nelson acting roles, below.
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3 of Willie Nelson’s Most Memorable Acting Roles
1. The Electric Horseman (1979)
Nelson made his film debut in The Electric Horseman. Though his acting role was small, it was memorable enough to jumpstart a career for him on the silver screen. In the film he plays Robert Redford’s cowboy companion. Word on the street is that he improvised most of his lines, making his performance all the more impressive.
2. Songwriter (1984)
The best art imitates life. In Songwriter, Nelson plays a begrudged country star. Alongside Kris Kristofferson, he aims to get back at a slimy promoter. Though there are no doubt some fictitious moments in this film, we have to think that parts of Nelson’s own musical journey made the cut. Moreover, Nelson’s humor takes a front seat in this role.
3. Red Headed Stranger (1986)
Fans of Nelson’s Red Headed Stranger album were in for a treat in 1986 with the release of the accompanying film. In the adaptation, Nelson plays a vengeful preacher hell bent of settling the score between him and his cheating spouse. Along the way he takes on a more fearsome adversary. Like the album, Nelson revels in an old western setting. It’s every cowboy’s dream: riding horseback, taking names, and laying down the law.
(Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
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