Top 5: Harry Dean Stanton Roles

Harry Dean Stanton was the epitome of "that guy that was in that thing." A universally beloved character actor with a handful of starring roles and career ranging from the late fifties to this year's revival of Twin Peaks. Seriously check out his IMDB page and prepared to be amazed at how many movie you've seen this guy in. He was a man beloved like cult directors like David Lynch and John Carpenter and truly up for any intriguing material that came his way. Thus, to honor him and his 91 amazing years we're picking five of his best roles.

#5 Brain from Escape from New York

If you needed someone who's presence says world weary and possibly knowledgeble Harry Dean Stanton was your guy. And if said guy needs to be a savy survivor with a history with Snake Plissken on a prisoner inhabited Manhattan? All the better. Though he doesn't get much heavy lifting action-wise, Stanton's Brain gets plenty of banter with our lead and distinguishes himself as a likable wise-ass before the film's end.

#4 Brett from Alien

Much like Stanton himself, this Nostromo crewman was soft-spoken and went about his job. He's also the first crew member to see the xenomoprh in its final form...before being killed. Again this is a smaller part but what I like most about it and Stanton's performance is that he treats everything like it's his pain in the ass job.

#3 Bud from Repo Man

Speaking of world-weary fellas with pain in the ass jobs, Stanton's turn in the cult classic Repo Man is all of that and more. However while his other characters were quiet or grumbly types, Bud is a cursing machine that introduces Otto (Emilio Estevez) into the fast and dirty repo business. I feel like everyone meets someone like this at their first job and Stanton nails it.

#2 Jack from Pretty in Pink

Probably his most memorable mainstream role, Stanton once again brings working class charm to Pretty in Pink's struggling father. Clearly struggling financially and reeling from his wife's unexpected departure, you'd think Jack would be more bitter and unsupportive. And yet, he isn't and actually the delivers the titular pink dress to his daughter just in time.

#1 Travis Henderson from Paris, Texas

Stanton didn't get much attention in the spotlight, save for this memorable starring role. Opening with his mysterious appearence from the desert, the movie follows Travis as he attempts to reconnect with his brother and child before searching for his long lost wife. It's a role all about subtley until the emotionally shattering finale, that makes the audience wonder if Stanton is derranged, mentally ill, repressed, or simply broken by life. And the payoff is equal parts heart-breaking and heart rending. Rest in peace Mr. Stanton.