Kris Kristofferson biography

Over the years, he has worked with many top directors, including Sam Peckinpah, John Sayles, and Martin Scorsese.

For all of his accomplishments, Kristofferson had his share of personal and professional struggles. He has battled a problem with alcohol and his marriage with Coolidge ended in divorce in 1979. He starred in Heaven's Gate (1980),

considered one of the biggest flops in movie history. After taking a break for a while, a renewed Kristofferson joined forces with fellow country music greats Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Willie Nelson as a member of the Highwaymen. This group of country superstars released four albums: Highwayman (1985), Highwayman 2 (1990), Live! (1992), and The Road Goes On Forever (1995). As a solo performer, he released several albums, including Repossessed (1986) and Third World Warrior (1988), which both showcased the songwriter's views on political and social issues, such as the U.S. military involvement in Central America.

In the 1990s, he took an eclectic mix of film roles, from the tough sheriff Charlie Wade in Lone Star (1996) to Abraham Whistler in Blade (1998). Far removed from his leading man days of the 1970s, Kristofferson has evolved into a strong character actor. He continues to act in a variety of films, ranging from the family-friendly horse drama Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story to the dark thriller The Jacket. He has even lent his distinctive gravelly voice to the video game Gun.

With his film work often overshadowing his musical talents, this living legend finally received his due in 2004 when he was inducted to the Country Music Hall of Fame. In 2006, Kristofferson released This Old Road, his first studio album in eleven years. Billboard magazine selected it as a critic's choice. He also released the album Live at Austin, Texas that same year.

While he has yet release a new studio album since then, Kristofferson has very active in film. He has appeared in Fast Food Nation (2006), Disappearances (2007), The Wendell Baker Story (2007), and Beer for My Horses (2008). Kristofferson also served as the narrator for Todd Haynes' offbeat film on Bob Dylan, I'm Not There (2007). In 2009, the multitalented performer was in the romantic comedy He's Just Not That Into You starring Jennifer Aniston.

Kristofferson lives in Hawaii with his third wife Lisa and three youngest children. He has three children from his earlier marriages: Tracy and Kris with first wife Fran Beir, and Casey from his marriage to Rita Coolidge.

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