G.D. was a top notch character that usually played the heavy oh so well. New York Times
G. D. Spradlin, whose experience as a corporate lawyer, independent oilman and rancher influenced his nuanced portrayals of authority figures in more than 70 films and television shows, including “The Godfather: Part II” and “Apocalypse Now,” died on Sunday at his cattle ranch in San Luis Obispo, Calif. He was 90.
His grandson Justin Demko confirmed the death.
Over a 30-year career, Mr. Spradlin became one of Hollywood’s most prolific character actors, using his dignified bearing to portray forceful characters like presidents, senators, preachers, doctors, military officers, athletic coaches, a sheriff, a police chief, a chief executive and a newspaper editor.
In “The Godfather: Part II” (1974) he played Pat Geary, the corrupt United States senator who defies the Mafia boss Michael Corleone, played by Al Pacino, telling Corleone he intends to “squeeze” him. As punishment, Geary later wakes up to find himself drenched in a dead prostitute’s blood.
Five years later, in “Apocalypse Now,” Mr. Spradlin played the Army general who sends Captain Willard (Martin Sheen) into the jungle to find and kill Marlon Brando’s Colonel Kurtz.
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Here G.D. plays the head coach in North Dallas Forty
