Klute (1971) Cast: Then and Now

This 1971 classic not only captivated audiences with its gripping narrative but also showcased performances that would shape careers and influence Hollywood for decades to come. As we revisit this cinematic gem that transformed Jane Fonda's career, let's embark on a journey through time to explore the remarkable cast of Klute, examining their lives and careers both then and now.

Jane Fonda

Then: Bree Daniel (Age 33)

When Jane Fonda stepped into the role of Bree Daniel, she was already a rising star in Hollywood, but Klute would catapult her to new heights. Born into a Hollywood dynasty as the daughter of Henry Fonda, Jane had been making waves in the industry since the early 1960s. Her breakthrough came with the 1965 film Cat Ballou, which earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture—Musical or Comedy. By 1971, she had further solidified her status with memorable performances in Barbarella (1968) and They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969), the latter earning her first Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Fonda's portrayal of Bree Daniel, a complex call girl entangled in a missing person case, would showcase her range as an actress and her willingness to take on challenging, unconventional roles.

Now: Age 86

After Klute, Fonda's career soared to new heights. Her performance in the film earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1971, her first Oscar win. She went on to receive five more Oscar nominations throughout her career, winning again for Best Actress in 1978 for Coming Home. Fonda's success wasn't limited to the Oscars; she also garnered multiple Golden Globe wins, including Best Actress for Klute (1971), Julia (1977), and Coming Home (1978). Her versatility as an actress was further recognised with Emmy and BAFTA awards.

In recent years, Fonda has found success on television with the series "Grace and Frankie," which earned her a Golden Globe nomination. She continues to be active in both her acting career and political activism. In 2021, she was honoured with the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes, recognising her outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment.

Did you know?

Sutherland and Fonda developed a nonexclusive romantic relationship offscreen which lasted until about June 1972. He was her date to the Oscars when she won Best Actress for this movie.

Donald Sutherland

Then: John Klute (Age 35)

Donald Sutherland's career was on an upward trajectory when he took on the title role in Klute. The Canadian actor had already made significant waves in Hollywood with his breakout role in the war film The Dirty Dozen (1967). He followed this with a memorable performance in Robert Altman's MASH* (1970), which showcased his versatility as an actor and his ability to seamlessly blend drama and comedy. Sutherland's portrayal of the taciturn detective John Klute would further demonstrate his range and establish him as one of the leading actors of his generation.

Now: Deceased

Sutherland passed away on June 20, 2024, at the age of 88. After Klute, he went on to have a prolific career in film and television, starring in numerous critically acclaimed movies such as Ordinary People (1980) and JFK (1991). Later in his career, he gained popularity among younger audiences for his role as President Snow in The Hunger Games film series.

Charles Cioffi

Then: Peter Cable (Age 35)

Born on October 31, 1935, Charles Cioffi was 35 years old when he took on the role of the enigmatic Peter Cable in Klute. Before this breakthrough film role, Cioffi had primarily made his mark in television. He had appeared in various TV series throughout the 1960s, including The Doctors and the Nurses, N.Y.P.D., and Dark Shadows. Klute represented a significant opportunity for Cioffi to showcase his talents on the big screen, allowing him to create a complex and memorable antagonist that would stand out in his career.

Now: Age 88

After Klute, Cioffi continued to work in both film and television, with notable appearances in Shaft (1971), Time After Time (1979), Missing (1982), and recurring roles in TV series like Ryan's Hope, One Life to Live, and Days of Our Lives.

Roy Scheider

Then: Frank Ligourin (Age 38)

Roy Scheider's role in Klute came at a pivotal moment in his career. He had been working steadily in television and had made his film debut in 1964, but it was his performances in the early 1970s that would cement his status as a leading man. Just before Klute, Scheider had a small role in the critically acclaimed Loving (1970), which helped showcase his talent in feature films. His small but impactful role in Klute as Frank Ligourin would serve as a stepping stone to even greater roles in the coming years.

Now: Deceased

Died February 10, 2008 (75)

After Klute, Scheider's career skyrocketed with a string of iconic roles. He earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in The French Connection (1971) and starred in Steven Spielberg's blockbuster Jaws (1975), where his portrayal of Police Chief Martin Brody became one of his most recognisable roles. Scheider's versatility shone through in his Oscar-nominated performance in All That Jazz (1979). Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he worked steadily in film and television, taking on diverse roles demonstrating his range as an actor, including appearances in 2010: The Year We Made Contact (1984) and the crime drama series Third Watch (2002-2005).

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Supporting Cast Members

Dorothy Tristan

Then: Arlyn Page (Age 29)

Dorothy Tristan was relatively new to film acting when she appeared in "Klute."

Now: Deceased

Tristan passed away on January 8, 2023, at the age of 88. After "Klute," she continued to act sporadically and became a screenwriter, collaborating with her husband, filmmaker John D. Hancock.

Rita Gam

Then: Trina (Age 43)

Rita Gam had been acting in films since the 1950s, when she appeared in Klute.

Now: Deceased

Gam passed away on March 22, 2016, at the age of 88. After Klute, she continued to act in films and television, and also wrote several books.

Nathan George

Then: Trask (Age 35)

Nathan George had appeared in a few films and TV shows before his role in Klute.

Now: Age 88

After Klute, George continued to act in films and television, with notable appearances in Serpico (1973) and One Life to Live.

Vivian Nathan

Then: Psychiatrist (Age 55)

Vivian Nathan was an established character actress when she appeared in Klute.

Now: Deceased

Nathan passed away on April 3, 2015, at the age of 98. After Klute, she continued to act in films and television until the late 1980s.

Closing Thoughts

Looking back at Klute and its cast, it's striking how a single film can capture a moment in time. For Jane Fonda, it was a career-defining role that showcased her range as an actress. Donald Sutherland's portrayal of the titular character added another compelling performance to his already impressive resume. The supporting cast, from Charles Cioffi to Roy Scheider, each brought something unique to the table, creating a rich, textured world that still resonates with viewers today.

Some of the cast, like Rita Gam and Vivian Nathan, continued their steady work in the industry, while others, like Fonda and Sutherland, went on to become household names. Klute serves as a snapshot of these actors at a particular point in their careers, some on the rise, others already established.

Watching Klute today, we're not just seeing a thriller from the 70s; we're witnessing the work of actors who helped shape American cinema. It's a reminder that behind every character on screen, there's a real person with a career that extends far beyond a single film. Klute may have been just one project for these actors, but for many of them, it was a significant stepping stone in long and varied careers.

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