Kris Kristofferson, “A Star Is Born” Actor and Country Legend, Dies at 88 Annie Blackman, Rachel DeSantis Sun, September 29, 2024 at 3:14 PM PDT 304 Kris Kristofferson, the beloved actor and country music singer-songwriter, died at home in Maui on Sept. 28 Rick Diamond/Getty Kris Kristofferson, the renowned actor and country singer-songwriter, has died. He was 88. A representative for the star said he was surrounded by family when he died "peacefully" at his home in Maui on Saturday, Sept. 28. “It is with a heavy heart that we share the news our husband/father/grandfather, Kris Kristofferson, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 28 at home. We’re all so blessed for our time with him. Thank you for loving him all these many years, and when you see a rainbow, know he’s smiling down at us all," his family said in a statement shared with PEOPLE. Mary Ellen Mark Kris Kristofferson Kristofferson was born on June 22, 1936, in Brownsville, Texas, to Mary Ann (née Ashbrook) and Lars Henry Kristofferson — a first-generation Swedish immigrant and U.S. Army Air Corps officer and Air Force general. His love for country music began at a young age, and, according to a 2013 interview with NPR, Kristofferson penned his first song, "I Hate Your Ugly Face," at only 11 years old. A military brat, he moved often throughout his childhood until his family landed in San Mateo, Calif., when he was a teenager. Per his official website, Kristofferson had two short stories — "Gone Are the Days" and "The Rock" — published in Atlantic Monthly at the age of 18. In 1954, he attended Pomona College in California, where he played football, was crowned a Golden Gloves boxer and served as sports editor of the school paper. His athleticism and academic achievements landed him on the cover of Sports Illustrated's"Faces in the Crowd" issue during his senior year in 1958. After graduating with his bachelor's degree in creative writing from Pomona, Kristofferson earned a Rhodes Scholarship and his master's in English literature at Oxford University's Merton College in 1960.
Lost a legend. He was an accomplished man and a great songwriter and activist for human rights. For the Good Times! What a life! I read his autobiography long ago about him flying a helicopter to Johnny Cash's house to bring him a tape of his songs. He was a very humble and generous man. RIP!
I saw him and Rita Coolidge at the Civic (now Keller) Auditorium 50 years ago with the now Mrs. UCD while home on leave. Great concert. I always thought he was at his best with Coolidge.
He was a fantastic singer/songwriter. That was well before he started acting. He was also a Rhodes Scholar.
Lived about as full a life as possible. Great story here if you haven't heard it before (or even if you have) https://www.southernliving.com/kris-kristofferson-johnny-cash-helicopter-8720531
