Jun 5, 1950

Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

A character actor who seems to pop up everywhere as the sterotypical cop, military officer and/or tough guy, Von Bargen can nevertheless turn in performances of stunning complexity when given the chance. His role in The Postman as the Pineview sheriff who suspects Kevin Costner's character of being a fraud, was a stand-out as Von Bargen enfused the role with the pathos of a man caught between just trying to survive and wanting to believe in the hope the Postman represents. His performance, which... ... (read more...) was an amalgam of characters from the Novel, contained just the perfect blend of world-weary skepticism and desperate hope. In an otherwise mediocre film, audiences were moved to tear up as his character shouts "Ride Postman! Ride!" just before being put to death for assisting in the rebellion.

His more evil side was brought out in Clive Barker's Lord Of Illusions as he played an Nix, older, wiser, more magical and supernatuerally gifted type of Charlie Manson charcter rising from the dead to "Murder the world." Many people don't remember him, but do remember his name and recall his characters distinctly and their lines, such as him calling Michael douglas "shooter" all the time in Basic Instinct.

Von Bargen is at his best when he is permitted to layer an otherwise forgettable character with a subtle and poignant humanity he often conveys merely with his eyes or change of voice. By rights, he should be one of our most celebrated character actors. Here's hoping his talents are put to good use in the future!