Actors

Richard Farnsworth's Top 10 Screen Performances

Richard Wells

Aug 2, 2023 — 6 min read

Richard Farnsworth was a beloved character actor who built a decades-long career playing humble, taciturn cowboys and rural working men. Though he was nominated for two Oscars and won countless other accolades, Farnsworth remained an understated presence in Hollywood. He let his nuanced performances speak for themselves.

At Rewind Zone, we celebrate Farnsworth's extensive filmography and want to highlight 10 of his very best roles. These performances capture him at his most iconic and exemplify his unique screen presence that could convey so much with just a look.

The Straight Story (1999)🔥

Farnsworth received his second Oscar nomination for his stunning performance as Alvin Straight in David Lynch's road trip drama The Straight Story. At age 73, he played a man who drives 240 miles across Iowa and Wisconsin on a lawnmower to visit his estranged brother. Farnsworth's quiet dignity and determination carry this simple but powerful story. With his weathered face and gentle soulfulness, he makes Alvin deeply sympathetic. This was the culmination of Farnsworth's career and one of his most beloved roles.

While shooting The Straight Story, Farnsworth was struggling with severe pain and illness that he kept hidden from most of the cast and crew. He had been diagnosed with terminal cancer and was undergoing radiation treatments during filming, often directly after shooting difficult scenes. Remarkably, despite his failing health, the then 79-year-old Farnsworth insisted on doing his own stunts including operating the film's iconic lawnmower. His quiet perseverance and commitment to the role he called his "swan song" is a testament to his professionalism. Even when weak, in pain, and confronting his own mortality, Farnsworth gave an unforgettable performance that required stamina and grace. His compelling portrayal of Alvin Straight is made all the more powerful when one considers the physical struggles Farnsworth overcame just to be able to participate in the production. It was a fittingly tenacious final act that cemented his legacy.

Comes A Horseman (1978)

In this gritty revisionist Western, Farnsworth plays doddering ranch hand Dodger alongside Jane Fonda and James Caan. Dodger serves as a voice of reason as the ranchers fight the land barons trying to fence off the open range. In his understated but touching performance, Farnsworth represents the plight of the common working man in the changing West. He earned acclaim for finding the humanity in even a small supporting part.

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The Natural (1984)

Though he appears only briefly in a single scene, Farnsworth makes a strong impression as the wise baseball scout who discovers Robert Redford's character Roy Hobbs in The Natural. With just a few pointed questions and some sage advice, Farnsworth provides the inspiration that launches Hobbs' mythical baseball career. The scene has become one of the most memorable in this sports film classic.

Anne of Green Gables (1985)

In the beloved TV miniseries adaptation of Anne of Green Gables, Farnsworth takes on the role of Matthew Cuthbert, Anne's shy but warm-hearted adoptive father. Matthew acts as a grounding influence in Anne's whimsical world and Farnsworth plays him with a gentle spirit. Despite his taciturn nature, Matthew clearly cares deeply, and Farnsworth expresses this beautifully through subtle gestures and glances.

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The Grey Fox (1982) 🔥🔥

Farnsworth received one of his most acclaimed starring roles in this fictionalised biopic about turn-of-the-century outlaw Bill Miner. As the gentleman bandit trying to adjust to the modern world after 33 years in prison, Farnsworth strikes the perfect balance between criminal and sympathetic hero. With emotional depth and dry humour, he makes Miner's struggle poignantly relatable. His nuanced performance earned him Canada's equivalent of the Oscar for Best Actor.

Misery (1990)

In the horror thriller Misery, Farnsworth plays the sheriff investigating novelist Paul Sheldon's disappearance after a car accident leaves him stranded with his "number one fan." Farnsworth's sheriff remains determined and pragmatic even as the case around Sheldon grows increasingly disturbing. The role showcases Farnsworth's ability to ground even the most sensational stories with his earthy, contained presence.

The Two Jakes (1990)

Farnsworth co-starred in this sequel to Chinatown as grizzled private investigator Walsh, working alongside Jack Nicholson's Jake Gittes. Though the neo-noir detective story received mixed reviews, critics praised Farnsworth's performance as the dogged voice of reason, providing an ethical counterpoint to Nicholson's less scrupulous methods. Farnsworth adds gravitas with his stern but thoughtful presence.

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Resurrection (1980)

In one of his most unusual roles, Farnsworth plays a man whose life is transformed when he meets a woman (Ellen Burstyn) with special healing powers in this contemplative drama. Farnsworth expresses quiet wonder and provides an emotional anchor as the story around him grows increasingly fantastical. With subtle glances and reactions, he grounds the mystical tale in raw human emotion.

Tom Horn (1980)

Farnsworth gave a career-defining performance in this biopic as the eponymous frontier scout, tracker and cowboy who becomes embroiled in controversy. Though the film itself received mixed reviews, critics widely praised Farnsworth's nuanced take on the aging gunslinger facing the end of the Wild West era. His gravitas and humanity shone through the flawed script.

Wild Horses (1985)

Farnsworth co-starred in this contemporary western as a grizzled old cowboy who tries to stop wild horses from being rounded up and sold for pet food. Though a minor film, critics praised Farnsworth's performance as the heart and soul of the movie. His emotional conviction elevated the simple story and brought nuance to a classic western archetype.

Farnsworth built one of the most impressive careers of any Hollywood character actor, moving seamlessly between starring and supporting roles across multiple genres. Despite his understated style, he crafted indelible performances that stand out precisely because of their subtlety. These 10 films highlight his ability to quietly command the screen through stillness, gravitas and hard-won wisdom. At Rewind Zone, we will continue to celebrate Farnsworth's legacy as one of the true greats of American cinema.