Sydney Pollack. Though he was mostly known as a top director – Out of Africa won seven Oscars – he was also an accomplished actor with great performances in Michael Clayton, Tootsie and Husbands and Wives.Bernie Mac. He not only had an amazingly upbeat attitude, he was a responsible leader. When FOX was giving him an unbearably hard time about the content of his sitcom, he contemplated walking away, but stayed on to protect the jobs of the hundreds of crew that worked on the show.
George Carlin. He wasn’t only a comedic genius; his dramatic role as the neighbor in The Prince of Tides was a very complicated performance that stood out in the film.
Harvey Korman. He lived to make his “Carol Burnett Show” cast mates lose it. He died with a damn funny headstone.
Heath Ledger. An actor’s actor. He didn’t just deliver lines; he created personas.
Brad Renfro. He died within days of Heath Ledger, and was unfortunately overshadowed by him. But Brad was also a great, young actor who starred in what Tom Hanks lists as his favorite movie: Elephant.
Roy Scheider. Huge breadth of a career, including the lead in Jaws, an all-time classic.
Charlton Heston. Has the incredible legacy of being the guy people picture when they visualize God. But we shouldn't overlook his outspoken fight against racism in the 60s.
Anthony Minghella. Winning one big award (an Oscar) is quite a life achievement. But three of the films he directed (The English Patient, Cold Mountain, The Talented Mr. Ripley) accounted for 37 award nominations and 25 wins.
Paul Newman. Much respect for any actor who uses his celebrity to make the world a better place – his Newman’s Own food line has raised over $250 million for charity.
