Michael Sarrazin, Enigmatic Hollywood Actor, Dies at 70
Because so many readers won’t know who he was, I thought I’d mention Michael Sarrazin‘s passing yesterday at age 70. In the 60s and into the mid 70s, Sarrazin was a popular, handsome, but mysterious actor. From Montreal originally, Sarrazin acted with both Jane and Henry Fonda–with Jane in “They Shoot Horses, Don’t They”?” and with Henry in “Sometimes a Great Notion.” They were directed in the latter by Paul Newman. Sarrazin’s big moment was co-starring with Barbra Streisand in a comedy called “For Peter’s Sake.” He had memorable eyes, and a lanky stance, but somewhere between Jack Nicholson, Peter Fonda, and a few others, he got lost. He was always cast with other top notch actors like George C. Scott. “Star Trek” fans may know him from the series, “Deep Space Nine.” In the end, there’s little publicity about Michael Sarrazin. Julia Phillips only mentions him in passing in “You’ll Never Eat Lunch in This Town Again.” From 1968 to 1974, Hollywood’s legendary “modern” era, he lived with Jacqueline Bisset. Sarrazin leaves two daughters from another relationship, each of whom works for the Montreal Gazette. Rest in peace.
As a former Montrealer, I am very familiar with Michael Sarrazin. One night in the late 60s, I was out for dinner with my family, when my sister spotted Michael a few tables away, and dared me to go over and ask for his autograph. Which I did. He was extremely gracious to this gawky kid. I dutifully handed over the autographed napkin to my sister. Considering how talented he was, it’s a shame he never achieved the level of stardom and recognition as those of his peers. Perhaps he preferred it that way.
So very nice that you wrote this about Michael Sarrazin. He was such a great actor. I remember many of his performances fondly. My sympathies to his family and friends.
R.I.P very funny in for pete’ssake