J.E. Freeman was an American actor and poet who appeared in many films and TV shows, often playing menacing or villainous roles. He was best known for his performances in Wild at Heart, Miller’s Crossing, Alien Resurrection, and Patriot Games. He died on August 9, 2014, at the age of 68, after a long battle with AIDS. In this article, we will explore his life, career, and cause of death in more detail.
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Early Life and Career
James E. Freeman was born on February 2, 1946, in Brooklyn, New York. He attended Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, where he was a member of the track team and a conservative activist. He came out as gay at the age of 22 and was discharged from the United States Marine Corps because of his sexuality.
He trained as an actor with Jean Shelton at Shelton Studios in San Francisco in the 1970s. He made his film debut in An Eye for an Eye (1981), playing a tow-truck driver who confronts Chuck Norris. He then moved to Los Angeles to pursue a film career and appeared in many movies and TV shows throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
Memorable Roles and Performances
Freeman was often cast as a sinister or ruthless character, such as a mobster, a henchman, a scientist, or a cop. He had a distinctive voice and presence that made him stand out in any scene. Some of his most notable roles include:
- Marcellus Santos, the evil mob boss who hires Willem Dafoe to kill Nicolas Cage and Laura Dern in David Lynch’s Wild at Heart (1990).
- Eddie “the Dane”, the terrifying enforcer who works for Albert Finney’s crime lord in the Coen brothers’ Miller’s Crossing (1990).
- Dr. Mason Wren, the cruel scientist who clones Ellen Ripley and breeds aliens in Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s Alien Resurrection (1997).
- Marty Cantor, the bearded CIA agent who helps Harrison Ford stop Sean Bean’s IRA terrorist in Phillip Noyce’s Patriot Games (1992).
He also had memorable roles in Ruthless People (1986), The Doctor (1991), Copycat (1995), Go (1998), and many other films and TV shows.
Poetry and Personal Life
Freeman was not only an actor but also a poet. He had a Tumblr blog called “Freedapoet” where he posted his poems and thoughts. He wrote about his experiences as a gay man, his struggles with HIV, his views on politics and society, and his love for art and nature.
He had been HIV-positive since around 1984 and had suffered from various health problems over the years. He also witnessed the Stonewall riots of 1969, which sparked the gay rights movement in America. He was an outspoken advocate for LGBT rights and equality.
He died on August 9, 2014, in San Francisco, California, of AIDS-related complications. He was 68 years old.
Legacy and Influence
J.E. Freeman was a talented and versatile actor who left a mark on many films and TV shows. He was also a passionate and expressive poet who shared his insights and emotions with the world. He was a brave and proud gay man who fought for his rights and dignity.
He is remembered by his fans, friends, and colleagues as a unique and charismatic performer who brought life to every role he played. He is also admired by many aspiring actors and poets who look up to him as a source of inspiration.
J.E. Freeman cause of death was a tragic loss for the entertainment industry and the LGBT community. He will be missed by many people who loved his work and his spirit.
