Pale Rider Cast: Where Are Eastwood's Co-Stars in 2024?

Pale Rider (1985) brought together a diverse cast of established and emerging talent. Their careers before and after this supernatural Western tell a fascinating story of Hollywood evolution over four decades.

Clint Eastwood (The Preacher)

Before Pale Rider:

• Rose to fame in TV series Rawhide (1959-1965)
• Became a global star through Sergio Leone's Dollars Trilogy
• Made directorial debut with Play Misty for Me (1971)
• Established himself as a Western icon with The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)

In the Film: Brought supernatural mystique to his typical gunslinger persona, adding a new dimension to the Western genre while both directing and starring in the film.

After Pale Rider:

• Won Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Picture:
  • Unforgiven (1992)
  • Million Dollar Baby (2004)
• Continued directing into his 90s with acclaimed films:
  • Gran Torino (2008)
  • American Sniper (2014)
  • Richard Jewell (2019)
• Latest project: Juror #2 (2024)

Michael Moriarty (Hull Barret)

Before Pale Rider:

• Tony Award winner (1974)
• Breakthrough in Bang the Drum Slowly (1973)
• Emmy and Golden Globe wins for Holocaust (1978)
• Starred in Who'll Stop the Rain (1978)

In the Film: Brought depth and vulnerability to Hull Barret, creating a perfect contrast to Eastwood's mysterious Preacher.

After Pale Rider:

• Gained widespread recognition as Ben Stone in Law & Order (1990-1994)
• Relocated to Canada after leaving Law & Order
• He continued acting while becoming known for his outspoken political views

Carrie Snodgress (Sarah Wheeler)

Before Pale Rider:

• Oscar nomination for Diary of a Mad Housewife (1970)
• Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer (1971)
• Took a significant hiatus from Hollywood in mid-1970s

In the Film: Portrayed Sarah Wheeler with quiet strength, marking her successful return to mainstream cinema.

Later Career:

• Appeared in notable films:
  • Blue Sky (1994)
  • Wild Things (1998)
• Guest roles in popular TV series:
  • The X-Files
  • ER
• Passed away in 2004 at age 57

Sydney Penny (Megan Wheeler)

Then

As a child actor, Penny began her career in television before landing the role of young Megan Wheeler. Her performance as the teenager drawn to the mysterious Preacher showed promising talent at just 13 years old.

Now

Penny successfully transitioned to adult roles, becoming a soap opera favourite with long-running parts in All My Children and The Bold and the Beautiful. She continues to act selectively while maintaining a private life.

Chris Penn (Josh LaHood)

Before Pale Rider:

• Started acting as a teenager in the early 1980s
• Appeared in All the Right Moves (1983) with Tom Cruise
• Built early career alongside brother Sean Penn
• Known for his natural talent and intense performances

In the Film: As Josh LaHood, Penn delivered a memorable portrayal of the antagonist's hotheaded son, showcasing both menace and vulnerability that would become hallmarks of his later work.

After Pale Rider:

• Career reached new heights with major roles:
  • Reservoir Dogs (1992) as Nice Guy Eddie
  • True Romance (1993)
  • Short Cuts (1993)
  • Rush Hour (1998)
• Notable TV appearances:
  • The Brotherhood of Justice (1986)
  • Mulholland Falls (1996)
  • Guest roles on various series

Career Highlights:

• Independent Spirit Award nomination for The Funeral (1996)
• Part of the ensemble cast in Robert Altman's Short Cuts
• Memorable supporting roles in over 50 films
• Successful collaborations with major directors like Quentin Tarantino and Tony Scott

Tragic Early Death: Penn was found dead in his Santa Monica residence on January 24, 2006, at the age of 40. The cause was determined to be heart disease, with multiple contributing factors. His passing shocked the film industry, cutting short a career that had spanned over two decades and more than 50 films. Several of his projects were released posthumously:

• King of Sorrow (2007)
• Aftermath (2007)

Discover more about underrated classics from this era

Richard Dysart (Coy LaHood)

Then

Dysart was an established character actor when he took on the role of mining baron Coy LaHood. His extensive stage and television experience brought gravitas to the film's main antagonist.

Now

Following Pale Rider, Dysart achieved his greatest recognition as Leland McKenzie in L.A. Law (1986-1994), winning an Emmy Award. He retired from acting in the late 1990s and passed away in 2015 at age 86.

Supporting Cast Members

John Russell (Stockburn)

Before Pale Rider, Russell was already a Western icon, known for his portrayal of Marshal Dan Troop in the TV series Lawman (1958-1962). His imposing presence and deep, authoritative voice made him perfect for the menacing Stockburn.

Career Highlights:

• Starred in numerous Western films and TV shows
• Appeared in Clint Eastwood's The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)
• Known for his commanding screen presence
• Left a lasting legacy in the Western genre before his passing in 1991

Richard Kiel (Club)

Standing at an impressive 7'2", Kiel was already famous as the steel-toothed Jaws in the James Bond films The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) and Moonraker (1979) before joining the Pale Rider cast.

Notable Facts:

• Nicknamed "The Gentle Giant" due to his kind nature off-screen
• Appeared in over 70 films and TV shows
• Continued acting until shortly before his death in 2014
• Final major role was in Tangled (2010)

Doug McGrath (Spider Conway)

A versatile character actor, McGrath brought depth to the role of Spider Conway in Pale Rider. His ability to inhabit supporting roles made him a valuable addition to any cast.

Career Notes:

• Significant contributor to Canadian cinema
• Built a steady career across multiple genres
• Known for bringing authenticity to supporting roles
• He continued working in both film and television throughout his career

Discover more about the evolution of Western films

Cast Age Guide: