Every Which Way But Loose Cast Then and Now: 1978 to 2024 Update
Discover what happened to the Every Which Way But Loose cast, from Clint Eastwood to Ruth Gordon, 45+ years after the 1978 comedy classic. Learn about their careers, current ages, and surprising facts in this nostalgic lookback.
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Clint Eastwood as Philo Beddoe
- Then (Age in 1978): 48 years old
- Now: 94 years old
Clint Eastwood played Philo Beddoe, a truck driver and bare-knuckle boxer with a pet orangutan named Clyde. At 48, Eastwood was already a big name in Hollywood when he took on this comedic role.
After Every Which Way But Loose, Eastwood kept acting and directing. He made hits like Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby. Today, at 94, he's still active in the film world, having recently directed Cry Macho in 2021.
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Richard Wells
Sondra Locke as Lynn Halsey-Taylor
- Then (Age in 1978): 34 years old
- Now: Deceased (died in 2018 at the age of 74)
Sondra Locke played Lynn Halsey-Taylor, the country singer who catches Philo's eye. This role helped boost Locke's career.
After the movie, Locke acted in more films and tried her hand at directing. Sadly, she passed away in 2018 at the age of 74.
Geoffrey Lewis as Orville
- Then (Age in 1978): 43 years old
- Now: Deceased (died in 2015 at the age of 79)
Geoffrey Lewis brought Orville, Philo's buddy and sidekick, to life. Lewis was known for his character roles and often worked with Eastwood.
Lewis kept acting after Every Which Way But Loose, appearing in many TV shows and movies. He died in 2015 at 79 years old.
Lewis appeared in notable films such as Tom Horn, Bronco Billy, and Heaven's Gate.
Beverly D'Angelo as Echo
- Then (Age in 1978): 27 years old
- Now: 72 years old
Beverly D'Angelo played Echo, a tough woman who joins Philo on his adventures. This role came early in D'Angelo's career.
D'Angelo went on to star in the National Lampoon's Vacation movies as Ellen Griswold. She's still acting today, recently appearing in the TV show Swagger.
Movie Trivia
Eastwood called Clyde the Orangutan "one of the most natural actors I ever worked with. But you had to get him on the first take because his boredom level was very limited."
This is the first movie to earn $10 million or more in its opening weekend.
Clint Eastwood was advised to do this movie on the heels of Smokey and the Bandit's runaway success at the box office.
Manis the Orangutan once got upset and grabbed Clint Eastwood while he was driving a truck. The ape's trainers were able to calm Manis down by speaking to him over the two-way radio.
Clint Eastwood's boxing coach for this movie was Al Silvani. He used to train Jake LaMotta, and had recently prepared Sylvester Stallone for Rocky.
The script originally was intended for Burt Reynolds. It came to Clint Eastwood through a secretary, in hopes he could pass it along to Reynolds, but Eastwood became interested in making the movie.
Reportedly, Clint Eastwood was nervous about doing a comedy, and contacted Burt Reynolds for advice because Reynolds had a lot of experience doing comedies.
Walter Barnes as Tank Murdock
- Then (Age in 1978): 60 years old
- Now: Deceased (died in 1998 at the age of 79)
Walter Barnes played Tank Murdock, the tough fighter Philo faces at the movie's end. Barnes had a long career in westerns and action films.
Barnes acted in a few more movies after Every Which Way But Loose. He died in 1998 at 79 years old.
Barnes also appeared alongside Eastwood in Bronco Billy (1980)
Richard Wells
James McEachin as Herb
- Then (Age in 1978): 48 years old
- Now: 94 years old
James McEachin played Herb, a cop chasing Philo across the country. McEachin was already an established actor when he took this role.
After the movie, McEachin continued acting on TV and in films. He's known for his role in 2010: The Year We Make Contact. At 94, he's one of the few cast members still with us today.
Bill McKinney as Dallas
- Then (Age in 1978): 47 years old
- Now: Deceased (died in 2011 at the age of 80)
Bill McKinney played Dallas, a member of the biker gang that causes trouble for Philo. McKinney was known for his tough-guy roles.
McKinney continued acting after Every Which Way But Loose, appearing in projects like Deliverance and The Outlaw Josey Wales. He passed away in 2011 at 80 years old.
Clyde the Orangutan
Then: 7 years old
Now: Passed away in the early 1980s
Clyde, the orangutan sidekick to Philo Beddoe, was played by an ape named Manis. Manis was around 7 years old when Every Which Way But Loose was filmed.
Manis was a trained orangutan who had appeared in several TV shows before landing his big-screen role as Clyde. His performance in the movie was widely praised, with Eastwood himself commenting on Manis's natural acting ability.
After the movie, Manis didn't appear in the sequel, Any Which Way You Can. Instead, his role was played by a different orangutan named Buddha. Manis reportedly passed away in the early 1980s, though the exact date is unclear.
Clyde became an iconic character in his own right, known for his mischievous antics and his habit of giving people "the finger" when annoyed. The character helped bring attention to orangutans and their intelligence, though today the use of primates in entertainment is more controversial due to animal welfare concerns.
William O'Connell as Elmo
- Then (Age in 1978): 45 years old
- Now: Deceased (died in 2024 at the age of 94)
William O'Connell played Elmo, another member of the biker gang.
He continued to work in film and television over the following decades. O'Connell was a preferred character actor choice for Eastwood, starring in High Plains Drifter and The Outlaw Josey Wales in previous years.
He passed away recently in 2024 at the age of 94.
Richard Wells
Dan Vadis as Frank
- Then (Age in 1978): 40 years old
- Now: Deceased (died in 1987 at the age of 49)
Dan Vadis had a supporting role as the biker Frank, who is part of the group that causes trouble for Philo and his companions.
Sadly, he passed away just a few years after the movie's release.
Gregory Walcott as Putnam
- Then (Age in 1978): 50 years old
- Now: Deceased (died in 2015 at the age of 87)
Gregory Walcott portrayed the character of Putnam, a cop hot on Philo's heels.
He continued to act in various projects throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
Ruth Gordon as Ma
- Then (Age in 1978): 82 years old
- Now: Deceased (died in 1985 at the age of 88)
Ruth Gordon played Ma, Philo's feisty mother.
After Every Which Way But Loose, Gordon acted in a few more projects. She passed away in 1985 at 88 years old, leaving behind a long and successful career.
Ma from Every Which Way But Loose: Taking names!
She was already an acclaimed actress by the time of Every Which Way But Loose. She is remembered most fondly for her roles in Rosemary's Baby and Harold and Maude.
John Quade as Cholla
- Then (Age in 1978): 40 years old
- Now: Deceased (died in 2009 at the age of 71)
John Quade played the role of Cholla, the leader of the biker gang that serves as the primary antagonist in the film, clashing with Philo and his friends.
He went on to appear in numerous other projects in the following years.
Every Which Way But Loose remains a fan favourite, thanks to its fun story and great cast. Looking back at where these actors were then and where they ended up shows how much can change in 45 years. While many of the cast have passed on, their performances in this classic comedy live on, bringing joy to new generations of viewers.
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