George Memmoli was an American actor who appeared in several films and TV shows in the 1970s and 1980s. He was known for his corpulent presence in his roles, weighing as much as 450 pounds. He was also a friend and frequent collaborator of director Martin Scorsese, appearing in Mean Streets, New York, New York, and contributing to a documentary focused on a mutual friend of theirs, American Boy: A Profile of Steven Prince.
However, Memmoli’s career and life were cut short by a tragic accident that occurred during the filming of a movie called The Farmer in 1976 or 1977. The accident involved a stunt car that crashed into him and caused severe injuries that eventually led to his death in 1985 at the age of 46. In this article, we will explore the details of the accident, the lawsuit that followed, and the impact of Memmoli’s death on his friends and colleagues.
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The Farmer: A Movie That Never Saw the Light of Day
The Farmer was a movie directed by David Berlatsky and produced by Roger Corman, a legendary figure in the low-budget film industry. The movie starred Gary Conway as a Vietnam veteran who returns to his farm and faces a ruthless land developer who wants to take over his property. Memmoli played a character named Passini, who was one of the developer’s henchmen.
The movie was shot in various locations in California, including Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside. The budget was reportedly around $1 million, which was considered high for a Corman production. However, the movie ran into several problems during the production, including delays, reshoots, and conflicts between the director and the producer.
One of the most serious problems was the accident that involved Memmoli. According to some sources, the accident happened in 1976, while others say it was in 1977. The exact details of the accident are not clear, but it seems that Memmoli was standing near a stunt car that was supposed to crash into a wall. However, the car went out of control and hit Memmoli instead, throwing him several feet into the air and landing on his head.
Memmoli suffered a fractured skull, a broken neck, and internal bleeding. He was rushed to the hospital and underwent several surgeries. He survived the accident, but he was left with permanent brain damage and physical disabilities. He had to use a wheelchair and a cane for the rest of his life.
The accident was a major setback for the production of The Farmer, which was already behind schedule and over budget. The movie was eventually completed, but it was never released theatrically. It was only shown on cable TV in 1982 under the title Blazing Revenge. The movie has since become a rare and obscure item for film collectors and fans of Corman and Memmoli.
The Lawsuit: A Battle for Compensation and Justice
After the accident, Memmoli filed a lawsuit against the production company, New World Pictures, and the stunt coordinator, Buddy Joe Hooker. He claimed that the accident was caused by negligence and lack of safety precautions. He also alleged that he was not informed of the risks involved in the stunt and that he was not given proper protective gear. He sought $10 million in damages for his medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The lawsuit dragged on for several years, with both sides presenting their arguments and evidence. The production company and the stunt coordinator denied any wrongdoing and argued that Memmoli was aware of the dangers and that he voluntarily participated in the stunt. They also claimed that the accident was unavoidable and that they did everything they could to help Memmoli after the crash.
The case was finally settled out of court in 1982, with Memmoli receiving an undisclosed amount of money. However, the settlement was not enough to cover his ongoing medical bills and living expenses. Memmoli also faced difficulties in finding work as an actor, as his injuries limited his ability to perform. He only appeared in a few more films and TV shows before his death, such as The Sure Thing, his final screen appearance.
The Impact: A Loss Felt by Many
Memmoli’s death in 1985 was a shock and a sorrow for many people who knew him and worked with him. He was remembered as a talented and versatile actor who could play both comedic and dramatic roles. He was also described as a warm and generous person who had a great sense of humor and a love for life.
One of the people who was most affected by Memmoli’s death was Martin Scorsese, who considered him a close friend and a creative partner. Scorsese had originally cast Memmoli in the role of the disturbed passenger in Taxi Driver, a scene that became one of the most iconic and memorable moments in the film. However, because of the injuries sustained in the accident, Memmoli had to decline the role, which was then played by Scorsese himself .
Scorsese also dedicated his 1985 film After Hours to Memmoli, as a tribute to his friendship and collaboration. Scorsese later said that Memmoli’s death was a cautionary tale for young filmmakers who take too many risks and do not respect the safety of their actors. He said that he learned a valuable lesson from Memmoli’s accident and that he always made sure to protect his cast and crew from harm.
Memmoli’s death also left a void in the film industry, as he was one of the few actors who could bring a unique and authentic presence to the screen. He was admired and respected by his peers and his fans, who appreciated his work and his personality. He was a rare and remarkable talent who left behind a legacy of memorable performances and unforgettable moments. He was George Memmoli, and he died because of a stunt accident.
