Has Clint Eastwood retired from acting?

Lizzi Tue, Jan 29, 2008 at 12:16 AM EST

all i know is i miss see you up on the big screen. i wish you had play misty with me. L

jackie robinson Fri, Jan 18, 2008 at 06:21 PM EST

It's 'ok' if Mr.Eastwood or any other producer some older directors
just want to br closer to spend more time wisth their families!!!

nosned Tue, Jan 1, 2008 at 11:16 AM EST

I really wish CE had not put such an anti US slant on "Letters from Iwo Jima"...I think his slanted political opinion reduces a potentially good film into irrelevancy....

Craig Tue, Jul 31, 2007 at 08:47 PM EST

Eastwood agreed to lend his voice for a Dirty Harry video game, not to actually make another Dirty Harry movie. He said that he imagined Harry Callahan to be retired and flyfishing these days.

yothere Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 03:39 PM EST

to the emperor, about "old faces": It's not that I don't want to see them and of course it is true about character over beauty. What I was saying is that Actors, as a breed apart from you and I, are known to be highly sensitive about how *they* look. Johnny Depp is not even 50 and already kidding about how no-one will want to see him when his face "drops". My point was more about that thespian vanity, maybe the entertainer's ego, or just human nature. I say this in the gentlest way. For the average person after 55 it gets hard enough to look in a mirror, let alone a magnifying one. But magnify that slight cringing a non-actor feels a hundredfold when dealing with people whose job description always contained "leading man" looks. Let alone having to endure another set, hundreds of people, another script to learn, interviews, people whispering "Wow, does he looks old!" etc etc etc. I wish them all well in their well-earned and well-chosen decisions to enjoy retirement years.

daisyj Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 03:22 PM EST

The thing is, what does an actor "retiring" really mean? It's not like you get a going-away party and a plaque thanking you for your fifty years of service to the film industry and then you go out and buy an RV and wonder what you're going to do with all this free time.
What I mean is, Eastwood may well have decided he doesn't feel like putting himself through the rigors of movie work any more, but that doesn't mean he can't change his mind at some point and hop right back into it.

Jeff Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 01:50 PM EST

Richard Widmark has also retired.

Dee Smith Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 12:54 PM EST

While Clint can give a riveting performance in front of the camera, the best use of his time is behind the camera. But its not what you're thinking.

Clint Eastwood learned the art of film by working under first-rate directors. He has amassed a lifestime of expertise in film making, because he knows the value of good acting, scripting, plot and character development..

And the most important part. The art of story telling. Its been the primary tool of passing life experience from our elders to our younger generations throughout human history.

So what we need if for Mr Eastman to serve as mentor to a group of as-yet unknown directors, so that the science and art of superior story telling through film can be passed on to another generation, who otherwise would probably not rise through the ranks to relative freedom in their craft due to the plethora of mediocre directors.

Please mentor them, Clint. They really, really need you.

DanOregon Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 12:48 PM EST

No more Connery, Eastwood, Newman? I haven't seen Gene Hackman in anything lately and I'll see anything with Robert Duvall in it.
They don't make them like they used to.

ThatGuy Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 12:35 PM EST

I could swear I read not long ago that Clint had agreed to do one more Dirty Harry movie. Did I dream that or did he change his mind?

Ceballos Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 11:42 AM EST

Ah, you're right Jeff. My bad, I just mostly remember him winning for Director and picture, thanks for catching that.

Jeff Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 11:14 AM EST

Ceballos, he was also nominated for acting in "Unforgiven."

Ceballos Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 09:17 AM EST

While I'll miss him (the same way I already miss Newman and Connery), I'd only really want Eastwood to stick around for selfish reasons. Besides, it's not like he's sitting on some porch somewhere (which he'd have every right to do if he wanted to). The man's well into his 70s and he's still busting his butt with the movies he's directing. If anything the fact that he won't be appearing in any new movies makes me want to seek out his older stuff.

I also agree that "Million Dollar Baby" was a hell of a performance for him to go out on (first and only acting Oscar nomination).

junior Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 09:11 AM EST

There is a clear difference between the acting of yesteryear and that of today, which is why it's sad to see the old-timers go (and why I think they shouldn't). Eastwood and actors of his generation (up until the Pacino/De Niro/Freeman generation) were not only stars but chose excellent projects and acted brilliantly in almost all of them. It's something that younger gen can't really do (it's not all their fault; Hollywood doesn't care about quality of drama that much anymore). Hopefully, they will all come out of retirement to give some last great performances.

Rob Sun, Jul 29, 2007 at 09:37 PM EST

Mr. Eastwood will do what Mr. Eastwood will do. He has had to fight his entire career (too tall; adam's apple too big) including getting "Million Dollar Baby" launched over protests of a too down ending. He has weathered misogyny accusations over punching Jessica Walter's character through a plate glass window in "Play Misty for Me," until Donna Mills publicly thanked him for giving her such a strong female role in the same film. He approached Gene Hackman for the sheriff's role in "Unforgiven," and Hackman had to be convinced by Mr. Eastwood to take the part because Hackman was semi retired himself, concentrating on painting. Of course, Hackman received a well deserved Oscar. He is famous for creating an actor-friendly film set(no screaming across the room, the crew wired like Secret Service agents). People love to work with Mr. Eastwood because of the unbound respect he has for the actor. Whatever Mr. Eastwood does, it will be sure to surprise and astound. He is our national treasure

erikr17 Sun, Jul 29, 2007 at 02:47 PM EST

I agree with Emperor Norton entirely. I am a young moviegoer (well young-ish ... under 35 at least), but I LOVE seeing older faces on screen. I wish there were more of them. I guess two of the big reasons are that - often - guys like Newman and Connery and Eastwood seem to get really good movies made. These are never cookie cutter parts or fliks. And I like to see that ... different. PLUS, I think there is a lot of societal value to showing faces and people in differing walks of life ... we already seem youth obsessed enough. Lastly, I simply love their work. Eastwood hasn't done something I don't LOVE since before Unforgiven (in my oppinion, one of the top 10 movies of all time AND pure joy). Oh. BTW, this desire of mine doesn't just pertain to older MEN. I LOVE seeing Meryl Streep (admittedly, not nearly as elderly but, let's face it, women are often considered "old" and fazed out even earlier than guys), Kathy Bates, all the grand Dames of British cinema, and a host of others!

Fred Sat, Jul 28, 2007 at 11:11 PM EST

Gotta agree that Million Dollar Baby makes a hell of a performance for Clint to go out on. That said I don't really believe Clint has given up acting for the simple reason that he has often described mentions of retirement as a 'self-defence mechanism' because there just aren't that many roles for actors his age (& isn't that sad?) As his recent work demonstrates Clint seems remarkably disinclined to take things easy. Indeed he has publicly hinted at a work till you drop career like that of John Huston. So despite what Mr Haggis suggests, no, I don't see Clint Eastwood the actor riding off into the sunset anytime soon. I'm sure that if/when the right script comes along he'll be back in front of the camera.

cary Sat, Jul 28, 2007 at 10:31 PM EST

Clint likes what he is doing now, I'd bet. I say, Leave him be. Because of his success we see better movie material. I'd much rather hang out w/ someone that's been to the circus than someone that hasn't. Its cool that he is semi retired but still has an influence on the quality of the product.

BrandonK Sat, Jul 28, 2007 at 09:24 PM EST

Emperor Norton, just because someone is pretty, that doesn't mean they're not deep or interesting. Conversely, being old and wrinkly doesn't automatically make one wise or a good actor or whatever.

Ned Sat, Jul 28, 2007 at 06:55 PM EST

I would like to see Clint do one more Dirty Harry, have him in retirement, then a serial killer taunts him back into the game.

Joaquin Carrasquilla Sat, Jul 28, 2007 at 05:39 PM EST

I'm a huge fan of Clint, I will miss him out acting in films, but I thinks he deserve to retire from acting, some times,as an artist(I speak for myself too)you get tired of doing the same thing and need another challenges,he gave all us a lot,if he wants to retire in the top do so, people will always remember him!.

Emperor Norton Sat, Jul 28, 2007 at 04:26 PM EST

Yow guys,

Here's a central reason why American cinema is so flat and shallow.

To actually not want to look at older faces? That's where the wisdom is.

I miss Jack Warden, and Toshiro Mifune, and Richard Harris, and I'd definitely miss Clint and Paul. I love to see Vanessa Redgrave, and Cloris Leachman, and Olympia Dukakis.

When people are intelligent and well-rounded actors, I love to see them age and love to see what they bring to characters as they become seasoned human beings.

We only seem to get the stories of the slender, the high-cheekboned, and the young. That's pretty dull.

Bring on the elders, the people of color, the unusual, and the deep. Young, pretty people are nice to look at, but they don't have much substance!

Joe C Sat, Jul 28, 2007 at 02:45 PM EST

Hey, retirement happens for everyone. I agree that I do get tired of seeing old gus like Nicholson paired with women half their age. If Clint has retired, then he went on top. Play your copy of Play Misty for Me in tribute.

Priscilla Sat, Jul 28, 2007 at 02:00 PM EST

Warren Beatty is a much underrated actor. He hasn't officially retired from acting. He just takes ages between projects. Although it's understandable that people want to bow out gracefully at a certain age, it's a shame to see people with real talent and charisma like Clint Eastwood, Paul Newman, Warren Beatty and other contemporaries go. The generations that follow them are not half as gifted or charismatic.

kcholt68 Sat, Jul 28, 2007 at 02:04 AM EST

"M$B" was the role to go out on for him. Leave 'em on top, leave 'em wanting more.

-kch, http://moviedearest.blogspot.com/

yothere Fri, Jul 27, 2007 at 10:50 PM EST

Yes, I think it's the right move for all of them and I say: Thanks for the memories, men. (This doesn't preclude any surprise out-of-retirement Oscar worthy role.) They all must be plain...tired...of it all by now. Let them relax. Perhaps their basic human instinct plays a role here too - I mean would you want to see your aging face and body projected 40 feet high?
What beautiful pictures we will always have of them.

Matthew Fri, Jul 27, 2007 at 09:41 PM EST

YES YES YES!
Warren Beatty. He hasn't made movie since...umm, yeah. And he's so conceited and stuck-up, it's horrible.
But I'm shocked Clint Eastwood is retiring. He's a great actor [as is Connery & Newman]. I mean yes I guess they're getting older, but really quitting acting for good? It just doesn't seem right.

Sally Fri, Jul 27, 2007 at 08:17 PM EST

I agree w/buttercup...better that Warren retire, but he hasn't been in anything lately either....maybe he's on his way?
anyway, those guys should retire...come on....Paul Newman can have just so many face lifts for the camera...and he's happy being a restauranter...and Eastwood seems better suited to direct....I'm not so sure I want to see anyone past the age of 70 in front of the camera and that means Jack Nicholson too. First they normally play younger than they are and they have women 1/2 their ages. They should be character actors at that point in their life not leading men.

Mike D. Fri, Jul 27, 2007 at 07:59 PM EST

Seriously?!! I had hoped to see "The Man With No Name" appear in at least a couple more movies. At any rate, he left behind quite the line-up of masterpieces.

Buttercup Fri, Jul 27, 2007 at 06:36 PM EST

I know a lot of people won't agree with me but I would rather see Warren Beatty retire. I never understood what was so great about him. The only movie of his I really enjoyed was Bonnie and Clyde.

BrandonK Fri, Jul 27, 2007 at 06:03 PM EST

Yeah, I love me some Clint Eastwood. He's done some great stuff, and I wouldn't be disappointed to see him again. Same goes for Sean Connery and Paul Newman, but everybody deserves the chance to enjoy retirement, I guess.

Rose Fri, Jul 27, 2007 at 05:42 PM EST

Wow. I don't like hearing that. I think that he is a brilliant director. Absolutely but I will miss seeing his very handsome face on screen. Not just because it's easy on the eyes but because I thought he was a great talent too. Unforgiven is one of my all time favorites and I'm not a fan of westerns.