Tri-Star Pictures
Certain actors are naturally inclined to portray the antagonists, and Robert Patrick is no exception. Although he doesn’t always play the villain, he is most recognized for his roles in which he gives the protagonists a run for their money. The former athlete from Bowling Green State University began his acting career with small parts in B-movies directed by renowned Filipino director Cirio H. Santiago, such as the 1976 action film “The Muthers”. His big break came when he landed the role of the liquid metal T-1000 in James Cameron’s 1991 action movie “Terminator 2: Judgment Day”.
Patrick showcased his acting versatility in 90s movies like “Fire in the Sky,” “The Cool Surface,” and “Striptease”. However, Hollywood soon recognized his knack for playing compelling villains, a typecast he embraced fully. Notably, he portrayed the white supremacist DC villain August “Auggie” Smith, also known as the White Dragon, in the “Peacemaker” series. Often, this meant his characters were pitted against some of the most renowned action heroes, resulting in his frequent on-screen demises. Yet, Patrick embraces this aspect of his job, taking pride in his dramatic on-screen deaths at the hands of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
Robert Patrick’s Iconic On-screen Deaths
Miramax
In a 2008 interview with Den of Geek, Patrick was asked about his thoughts on being killed off by the action movie titan trio of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, and Bruce Willis. Patrick added a fourth star to his list of on-screen killers, stating:
“It is [a badge of honor], but let me give you a little extra badge of honor. Ready for this? First I was killed by Bruce Willis, Schwarzenegger, then Stallone. And in ‘Charlie’s Angels 2,’ I was killed by the former Mrs. Bruce Willis [aka Demi Moore].”
Here’s a breakdown of how Patrick met his end in each of these movies:
- In “Die Hard 2”, directed by Renny Harlin and released in 1990, Willis’ John McClane shoots him multiple times through a dislodged air vent in an under-construction airport terminal.
- In “Terminator 2: Judgment Day”, directed by James Cameron and released in 1991, Schwarzenegger, as a T-800, blasts him in the stomach with a grenade. He then falls into a pool of molten metal, where he tries in vain to reshape himself before dissolving.
- In “Cop Land”, directed by James Mangold and released in 1997, he runs out of his house and is shot by Stallone’s character, Freddy Heflin, while wielding a shotgun. His character’s surprised expression as he dies is quite memorable.
- In “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle”, directed by McG and released in 2003, his corrupt U.S. marshal character is shot by Demi Moore’s character, Madison Lee, at the Griffith Park Observatory.
To wrap up, while John Cena may not be an iconic action movie star yet, it’s worth noting that Patrick’s character, the White Dragon, is shot in the head by his own son, Cena’s character, in “Peacemaker”. Robert Patrick has indeed mastered the art of dying on the big screen, and we salute the once-and-future T-1000 for his contributions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Robert Patrick best known for?
Robert Patrick is best known for his role as the liquid metal T-1000 in James Cameron’s action film “Terminator 2: Judgment Day”.
Who are the famous actors that have killed Robert Patrick’s characters in movies?
Robert Patrick’s characters have been killed by Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, and Demi Moore in various films.
What was Robert Patrick’s first film role?
Robert Patrick’s first film role was in the 1976 action film “The Muthers”, directed by Cirio H. Santiago.
Credit: www.slashfilm.com
