Alan Rickman’s iconic role as Hans Gruber in Die Hard ultimately catapulted him into Hollywood stardom. Believe it or not, Sam Neill played an unintentional but pivotal part in this chapter of cinematic history.
From initial rejections to last-minute decisions, there is a fascinating backstory of Rickman’s feature film debut. Here’s why Rickman owes Neill for the part that launched him into the spotlight.
Alan Rickman owes Sam Neill for his part in ‘Die Hard’
The creative team behind Die Hard initially wanted a big-name actor to play the main villain, Hans Gruber, in the action-packed blockbuster. After all, they had already secured Bruce Willis to play the main protagonist, John McClane.
Initially, producers contacted Sam Neill, a New Zealand actor with an expansive filmography. Neill was their ideal choice for the role of Gruber, but things didn’t turn out as planned.
After receiving the offer,...
From initial rejections to last-minute decisions, there is a fascinating backstory of Rickman’s feature film debut. Here’s why Rickman owes Neill for the part that launched him into the spotlight.
Alan Rickman owes Sam Neill for his part in ‘Die Hard’
The creative team behind Die Hard initially wanted a big-name actor to play the main villain, Hans Gruber, in the action-packed blockbuster. After all, they had already secured Bruce Willis to play the main protagonist, John McClane.
Initially, producers contacted Sam Neill, a New Zealand actor with an expansive filmography. Neill was their ideal choice for the role of Gruber, but things didn’t turn out as planned.
After receiving the offer,...
- 9/14/2023
- by Perry Carpenter
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Clarence Gilyard, a veteran actor who had notable roles in Die Hard, Matlock and Walker, Texas Ranger who would later become a theater professor and author, has died. He was 66.
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas College of Fine Arts, where Gilyard taught, announced his death on Monday afternoon, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. He had been suffering from a long illness. No further details were released.
In a rich and varied career that spanned five decades, Gilyard achieved success in film, television and on stage. For film fans, he is perhaps best known for playing Theo, Hans Gruber’s cocky computer hacker in 1988’s Die Hard. In the 1990s, Gilyard was a familiar face on primetime television, first for playing private investigator Conrad McMasters on the legal drama Matlock and then, in a career-defining role, as Ranger James Trivette in the long-running series Walker, Texas Ranger.
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas College of Fine Arts, where Gilyard taught, announced his death on Monday afternoon, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. He had been suffering from a long illness. No further details were released.
In a rich and varied career that spanned five decades, Gilyard achieved success in film, television and on stage. For film fans, he is perhaps best known for playing Theo, Hans Gruber’s cocky computer hacker in 1988’s Die Hard. In the 1990s, Gilyard was a familiar face on primetime television, first for playing private investigator Conrad McMasters on the legal drama Matlock and then, in a career-defining role, as Ranger James Trivette in the long-running series Walker, Texas Ranger.
- 11/29/2022
- by Abid Rahman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Actor and academic Clarence Gilyard Jr, known for roles in such TV series as Walker, Texas Ranger and Matlock, as well as films including Die Hard and Top Gun, has died. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ College of Fine Arts, where Gilyard was a film and theater professor, shared the news of his passing. No cause of death was given. He was 66.
Gilyard’s career spanned more than 30 years in film, television and theater. His first movie role was as Sundown in the original Top Gun (1986), and he later made a lasting impression in 1989’s Die Hard as wise-cracking computer whiz baddie Theo.
On television, Gilyard co-starred opposite Andy Griffith in legal drama Matlock from 1989-1993, appearing in 85 episodes as private investigator Conrad McMasters. Then, from 1993-2001, he starred with Chuck Norris as Jimmy Trevette in CBS’ Walker, Texas Ranger.
Gilyard was born in 1955 in Moses Lake, Washington and...
Gilyard’s career spanned more than 30 years in film, television and theater. His first movie role was as Sundown in the original Top Gun (1986), and he later made a lasting impression in 1989’s Die Hard as wise-cracking computer whiz baddie Theo.
On television, Gilyard co-starred opposite Andy Griffith in legal drama Matlock from 1989-1993, appearing in 85 episodes as private investigator Conrad McMasters. Then, from 1993-2001, he starred with Chuck Norris as Jimmy Trevette in CBS’ Walker, Texas Ranger.
Gilyard was born in 1955 in Moses Lake, Washington and...
- 11/29/2022
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Much has been made of "Die Hard" and its enduring charm as not just a quintessential '80s blockbuster but one of the finest action movies ever made. There's a lot to love about the 1988 mega-hit that propelled Bruce Willis from TV comedy to action movie fame. Just as memorable as Willis' lovable everyman cop is Alan Rickman's Hans Gruber, the film's antagonist (or protagonist if you ask the film's writer) and mastermind of the siege on Nakatomi Tower.
Rickman began his career in the theater, having studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and making a real name for himself on the theater circuit. When it came time to make the leap to movies, he was initially hesitant to accept his now legendary "Die Hard" role. Once the actor eventually came onboard, he approached the job with the same dedication he had applied to his theater career,...
Rickman began his career in the theater, having studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and making a real name for himself on the theater circuit. When it came time to make the leap to movies, he was initially hesitant to accept his now legendary "Die Hard" role. Once the actor eventually came onboard, he approached the job with the same dedication he had applied to his theater career,...
- 11/25/2022
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
The hopes of “Die Hard” fans were dashed when producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura confirmed that the rumored sixth entry in the franchise was canceled.
Simply titled “McClane,” the film would have possibly served as a prequel and a sequel. Bruce Willis previously said that he was willing to return as John McClane when needed.
But during press junkets for “Snake Eyes,” di Bonaventura told Polygon, “Yeah, no, it’s not happening.”
“But what was really interesting was we actually came up with an idea to do it,” he added. “It was a project that wasn’t Die Hard that then, eventually, shifted over to Die Hard.”
“McClane” would have given Len Wiseman, tapped as director of the movie in 2015, the opportunity to work with Willis and a new actor, di Bonaventura said.
There were a couple of rumored plots for the film. The “1979 story” was rumored to take place on...
Simply titled “McClane,” the film would have possibly served as a prequel and a sequel. Bruce Willis previously said that he was willing to return as John McClane when needed.
But during press junkets for “Snake Eyes,” di Bonaventura told Polygon, “Yeah, no, it’s not happening.”
“But what was really interesting was we actually came up with an idea to do it,” he added. “It was a project that wasn’t Die Hard that then, eventually, shifted over to Die Hard.”
“McClane” would have given Len Wiseman, tapped as director of the movie in 2015, the opportunity to work with Willis and a new actor, di Bonaventura said.
There were a couple of rumored plots for the film. The “1979 story” was rumored to take place on...
- 7/28/2021
- by Ashley Turner
- The Wrap
Five actors have been added to the cast of the Head of the Class reboot pilot. Isabella Gomez stars in the projects as an unorthodox teacher who tries to get her students to look beyond their grades and experience the world around them.
The original comedy series aired on ABC for five seasons and starred Howard Hesseman, Billy Connolly, William G. Schilling, Jeanetta Arnette, Dan Frischman, Robin Givens, Khrystyne Haje, Tony O'Dell, Brian Robbins, Kimberly Russell, Dan Schneider, Tannis Vallely, Leslie Bega, Joher Coleman, Rain Pryor, Michael DeLorenzo, Lara Piper, De'voreaux White, and Jonathan Ke Quan.
Jorge Diaz, Dior Goodjohn, Brandon Severs, Adrian Matthew Escalona, and Christa Miller have all been added to the cast of the new Head of the Class.
Deadline revealed more about their roles for the :
“Diaz plays Elliot Olsen, a goofy...
The original comedy series aired on ABC for five seasons and starred Howard Hesseman, Billy Connolly, William G. Schilling, Jeanetta Arnette, Dan Frischman, Robin Givens, Khrystyne Haje, Tony O'Dell, Brian Robbins, Kimberly Russell, Dan Schneider, Tannis Vallely, Leslie Bega, Joher Coleman, Rain Pryor, Michael DeLorenzo, Lara Piper, De'voreaux White, and Jonathan Ke Quan.
Jorge Diaz, Dior Goodjohn, Brandon Severs, Adrian Matthew Escalona, and Christa Miller have all been added to the cast of the new Head of the Class.
Deadline revealed more about their roles for the :
“Diaz plays Elliot Olsen, a goofy...
- 1/25/2021
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Die Hard fans were all a twitter when there was buzz surrounding a mystery tease in regards to the iconic Bruce Willis action pic. His daughter Rumer Willis tweeted the tease as did De’voreaux White, who played limo driver Argyle from the 1988 movie. Turns out that all of the hype was for a different Die Hard — the car battery brand.
The two-minute commercial kept in the spirit of the movie, bringing us on a journey with Willis’s legendary hero John McClane as he sets out to buy a new DieHard battery from an Advance Auto Parts store after his car battery dies.
There are nods to the original movie including John’s wise-ass demeanor, his escape through the air vent, as well as cameos from White as Argyle and Clarence Gilyard Jr. as Die Hard baddie Theo.
There are plenty of action moments including signature Die Hard fisticuffs and...
The two-minute commercial kept in the spirit of the movie, bringing us on a journey with Willis’s legendary hero John McClane as he sets out to buy a new DieHard battery from an Advance Auto Parts store after his car battery dies.
There are nods to the original movie including John’s wise-ass demeanor, his escape through the air vent, as well as cameos from White as Argyle and Clarence Gilyard Jr. as Die Hard baddie Theo.
There are plenty of action moments including signature Die Hard fisticuffs and...
- 10/19/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Update: Well that was fun while it lasted, but it turns out #DieHardIsBack is just a two minute battery commerical (which you can see above) that features Willis recreating his part, while fighting Clarence Gilyard's Theo, with a little help from De'voreaux White's Argyle. So - there it is. Is anyone really surprised??? Yippie Ki Lame. Original Story: What in the name of Hans Gruber's ghost is going on here?! Bruce Willis's daughter,…...
- 10/18/2020
- by Mike Catalano
- JoBlo.com
Yippee-ki-yay #$@%. He’s back. Bruce Willis reprises his iconic role of John McClane for a new Advance Auto Parts DieHard battery commercial — and the spot is epic.
Debuting Sunday during Fox’s America’s Game of the Week telecast of Green Bay vs. Tampa Bay, the two-minute mini-movie not only features a lot of action and classic McClane snark, but also reunites some of the cast from the 1988 blockbuster. De’voreaux White (Argyle) and Clarence Gilyard (Theo) appear in the spot, both bringing a healthy dose of nostalgia. And of course, there is some vent crawling in the commercial created in part due ...
Debuting Sunday during Fox’s America’s Game of the Week telecast of Green Bay vs. Tampa Bay, the two-minute mini-movie not only features a lot of action and classic McClane snark, but also reunites some of the cast from the 1988 blockbuster. De’voreaux White (Argyle) and Clarence Gilyard (Theo) appear in the spot, both bringing a healthy dose of nostalgia. And of course, there is some vent crawling in the commercial created in part due ...
- 10/18/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Yippee-ki-yay #$@%. He’s back. Bruce Willis reprises his iconic role of John McClane for a new Advance Auto Parts DieHard battery commercial — and the spot is epic.
Debuting Sunday during Fox’s America’s Game of the Week telecast of Green Bay vs. Tampa Bay, the two-minute mini-movie not only features a lot of action and classic McClane snark, but also reunites some of the cast from the 1988 blockbuster. De’voreaux White (Argyle) and Clarence Gilyard (Theo) appear in the spot, both bringing a healthy dose of nostalgia. And of course, there is some vent crawling in the commercial created in part due ...
Debuting Sunday during Fox’s America’s Game of the Week telecast of Green Bay vs. Tampa Bay, the two-minute mini-movie not only features a lot of action and classic McClane snark, but also reunites some of the cast from the 1988 blockbuster. De’voreaux White (Argyle) and Clarence Gilyard (Theo) appear in the spot, both bringing a healthy dose of nostalgia. And of course, there is some vent crawling in the commercial created in part due ...
- 10/18/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It's time for a big class reunion. Twenty five years ago today, Head of the Class aired its final episode on ABC.
Created by Michael Elias and Rich Eustis, the sitcom centers on history teacher Charlie Moore (Howard Hesseman) and his group of gifted students at a Manhattan high school. William G. Schilling played the principal and Charlie's students were played by Jeannetta Arnette, Leslie Bega, Dan Frischman, , Robin Givens, Khrystyne Haje, Jory Husain, Tony O'Dell, Brian Robbins, Kimberly Russell, Dan Schneider, Tannis Vallely, Michael DeLorenzo, Lara Piper, Rain Pryor, Jonathan Ke Quan, and De'voreaux White. Billy Connolly joined the cast in season five after Hesseman left the series.
Read More…...
Created by Michael Elias and Rich Eustis, the sitcom centers on history teacher Charlie Moore (Howard Hesseman) and his group of gifted students at a Manhattan high school. William G. Schilling played the principal and Charlie's students were played by Jeannetta Arnette, Leslie Bega, Dan Frischman, , Robin Givens, Khrystyne Haje, Jory Husain, Tony O'Dell, Brian Robbins, Kimberly Russell, Dan Schneider, Tannis Vallely, Michael DeLorenzo, Lara Piper, Rain Pryor, Jonathan Ke Quan, and De'voreaux White. Billy Connolly joined the cast in season five after Hesseman left the series.
Read More…...
- 6/25/2016
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Many happy returns to Bruce Willis, who celebrates his 60th birthday today (March 19)!
Ever since finding fame in the '80s thanks to sitcom Moonlighting and explosive action movie Die Hard, Bruce has been a regular on our screens, appearing in films great, good, not-so-good and Cop Out.
With John McClane himself celebrating the big 6-0, Digital Spy staff reminisce about their favourite Bruce Willis movies, while you can vote for your personal favourite in the poll below...
Die Hard - Morgan Jeffery (TV Editor)
There's a million reasons to love 1988's Die Hard - the colourful supporting characters like Al (Reginald VelJohnson), Ellis (Hart Bochner) and Argyle (De'voreaux White), action cinema's greatest ever villain in Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman), Michael Kamen's brilliantly '80s score...
But the big reason is Bruce. Sure, New York cop John McClane was a tough guy, but what Willis brought to the part...
Ever since finding fame in the '80s thanks to sitcom Moonlighting and explosive action movie Die Hard, Bruce has been a regular on our screens, appearing in films great, good, not-so-good and Cop Out.
With John McClane himself celebrating the big 6-0, Digital Spy staff reminisce about their favourite Bruce Willis movies, while you can vote for your personal favourite in the poll below...
Die Hard - Morgan Jeffery (TV Editor)
There's a million reasons to love 1988's Die Hard - the colourful supporting characters like Al (Reginald VelJohnson), Ellis (Hart Bochner) and Argyle (De'voreaux White), action cinema's greatest ever villain in Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman), Michael Kamen's brilliantly '80s score...
But the big reason is Bruce. Sure, New York cop John McClane was a tough guy, but what Willis brought to the part...
- 3/19/2015
- Digital Spy
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