Christopher Jones was an American actor who is best known for his roles in Wild in the Streets, Ryan’s Daughter, and Mad Dog Time.
Personal and Family Life
Christopher Jones, born William Franklin Jones, grew up in Jackson, Tennessee, in a challenging environment. His mother struggled with mental health issues and was institutionalized when he was just four years old, which deeply affected him throughout his life. He had a brief marriage to actress Susan Strasberg, with whom he had two children, but their relationship ended in divorce after three years.
Career Highlights
Jones began his acting career on Broadway, making his debut in The Night of the Iguana in 1961. He gained fame in the late 1960s with films like Wild in the Streets and Chubasco. Despite his early success, he struggled with the pressures of fame and personal issues, leading him to step away from Hollywood for a time. Eventually, he returned to acting with a small role in Mad Dog Time in 1996.
Death and Legacy
Christopher Jones passed away from gallbladder cancer on January 31, 2014, at the age of 72. His life was marked by both celebrated successes and personal struggles, which contributed to his cult status as an actor of the late 1960s counterculture. Despite his tumultuous career, he remains remembered for his captivating performances and the impact he had on his contemporaries.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Wild in the Streets | 1968-05-29 | Max Jacob ‘Frost’ Flatow Jr. |
| The Looking Glass War | 1970-01-02 | Leiser |
| Una breve stagione | 1969-11-26 | Johnny |
| Chubasco | 1968-04-14 | Chubasco |
| Three in the Attic | 1968-12-20 | Paxton Quigley |
| Ryan’s Daughter | 1970-03-19 | Major Randolph Doryan |
| Mad Dog Time | 1996-11-08 | Nicholas Falco |
| The Legend of Jesse James | 1965-09-13 | Jesse James |
| Great Performances | 1971-01-28 | Young DuBose Heyward |