It was SO odd when I listened to John Heard's interview on Illeana Douglas's podcast (which again, FOR ACTORS, yes YOU...listen...to "I Blame Dennis Hopper" podcast, YOU WILL HEAR GREAT INSIDE SCOOP about this business). Weird that all he wanted to do was to act. Already having had massively successful career, Heard wasn't a Hollywood guy. In fact, he mentions how much he HATED Los Angeles (sound familiar) and wanted to go back to real acting on stage. Man, do I admire him. Because he cared about craft. And he is salty. Like I imagine all the actors of his generation are from the Actor's Studio. Yes, THAT one.
It probably pained him to play Peter McAllister of "Home Alone" fame that he was relegated to high concept roles. Not that it didn't pay the bills, but I get the sense movies like these and "Big" and others seemed to be his bread and butter. Which is not a bad sandwich to have. But I think it's something I've sort of said a few times, money and fame won't buy you what's ultimately missing in your life. The sense you touched people directly with your art. It also seemed as if he were haunted. There are many stories he speaks of raw drinking binges. Which, as a person who over-analyzes, you can sense that pain. Addiction is a real thing. And as he lived a full life, you probably understand that he's lived longer than his life (explained by him) should have gone. A reckless life. A rock star life in a tweed jacket.
John Heard is THAT guy. His face is recognizable by being so...innocuous. He could be mistaken for a lot of American men. And his career...well, he remained very very grateful to the end.
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