RIP, Rip Torn

Rip Torn just had one of those faces.

Here's maybe the best accolade I can give to this veteran actor who passed away Tuesday. It's something I reserve for very few character actors, maybe people like Gene Hackman and Jack Warden.

Have you ever seen Rip Torn in something when he wasn't great?

Here's something you may not have known.

The role of George Hanson in the '60s biker classic "Easy Rider" originally was written for Torn. But the actor had a clash with Peter Fonda and pulled out of the project, opening the door for Jack Nicholson. Worked out pretty well for Nicholson.

He also had a younger cousin who also got bit with the acting bug. Maybe you've heard of her. Her name is Sissy Spacek.

Torn was a constant in both movies as well as TV. He was one of the stalwarts on "The Larry Sanders Show." His portrayal of the ethically challenged producer earned him an Emmy.

RIP, Rip Torn.

Comments