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Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
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Midnight Run and Beethoven actor Charles Grodin passed away at the age of 86 today, leaving a massive legacy of films, television, and plays behind him. The star was known for his work on screen, but also in Broadway’s “Same Time, Next Year.” Grodin will be remembered as a comedic legend, known accepting unflattering roles with plentiful flaws but real heart. If you’re looking for a way to remember the late actor’s work in films, a handful of his most memorable titles are currently available to watch online.
The star has worked with Robert De Niro, Jessica Lange, Robert Downey Jr., and even the Muppets in nearly seven decades of acting. Along with his work in the film sphere, Grodin won an Emmy for his work writing for The Paul Simon Special with Lorne Michaels, Paul Simon, Chevy Chase, and other comedic legends. Most recently, the actor starred in An Imperfect Murder, The Comedian, and as Dr. Bigelow on Louie.
Here are a handful of iconic Charles Grodin films, and where you can watch them in remembrance of the late actor:
'Midnight Run'
Grodin stars as “The Duke” in Midnight Run, a mob accountant on the run. The film follows bounty hunter Jack Walsh (Robert De Niro) on a quest to locate The Duke and bring him to the authorities in L.A. But it’s not as simple as a midnight run — Jack and The Duke must hide from the FBI together in a cross-country chase.
'King Kong'
King Kong featured Grodin amongst Jessica Lange, Jeff Bridges, and one giant ape. The 1976 version of the classic tale follows an ensemble of folks on an expedition to find petroleum on an isolated island. They come into contact with King Kong, a giant ape who has tormented the native peoples of the island for many years.
'Beethoven'
Beethoven may have been about the titular Saint Bernard pup, but Grodin played a massive role in the 1992 film as George Newton, his suspicious owner. George takes offense to Beethoven stealing all of the attention and ruining the house’s cleanliness. Nevertheless, George protects the dog when a dangerous vet tries to step between the furry friend and his real family.
'The Great Muppet Caper'
In his career, Grodin got to act amongst one of the greatest comedy troupes of all time: the Muppets. He starred alongside Kermit, Fozzy, and other familiar puppets in The Great Muppet Caper, the second live-action Muppets film. The film follows a grand British jewel heist, starring Kermit, Fozzy, and Gonzo as investigative journalists at the crime scene. Spoiler: Grodin isn’t as friendly as he is in Beethoven in this film!
'Heart and Souls'
Heart and Souls follows a quartet of folks who pass away in a tragic bus accident — but their lives continue. They move to the afterlife, continuing as ghosts and guardian angels to a child born at the moment of their deaths. They must help Thomas (Robert Downey Jr.) grow into a fully-realized adult, though he still has flashbacks to his childhood playing with the ghosts. Grodin starred as one of the ghosts, Harrison, alongside Alfre Woodard, Kyra Sedgwick, and Tom Sizemore.
'Ishtar'
Ishtar follows Chuck Clarke (Dustin Hoffman) and Lyle Rogers (Warren Beatty), two down-on-their-luck songwriters with a dream to become the next pop duo. One day, they get a job offer in Morocco; the next, they’re sent on a top-secret mission from the CIA. Grodin plays CIA agent Jim Harrison, who offers the men the job as spies.
'Dave'
Dave follows a tale of two presidents: one real, and one fake. When the real president suffers from a major stroke, the White House chief of staff pegs Dave (Kevin Kline) to replace him as a look alike — without telling anyone. Even the First Lady doesn’t know about the switch. Grodin plays Murray Blum, Dave’s close friend who assists him in his new “presidential” duties.
