Loretta’s Life Story Becomes A Movie
There’s something about a good “Cinderella story” that intrigues people. The thought that someone can take themselves from rags to riches is an inspiring one.
But these stories aren’t only found in fairytales. Many of these stories can be found in real life as well.
Country music has seen its fair share of Cinderella stories over the years. One of the most famous is the life story of Loretta Lynn.
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After growing up poor in Kentucky, Loretta used her natural talents as a singer and songwriter to lead herself to country music superstardom. Today, she is regarded as a legend and one of the greatest artists in country music history.
Since there was so much interest in Loretta’s life story, it was transformed into a biographical film in 1980. That film became Coal Miner’s Daughter, which is now hailed as one of the best country music biopics to ever exist.
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The film has earned a special place in the hearts of country fans, as have the actors who appeared in it. A few of the actors have since passed away, including Levon Helm, who played Loretta’s father.
It’s now been many years since the film was released, and we’re sure you’re curious what the surviving cast members have been up to since then. Click the button below to find out!
William Sanderson – Lee Dollarhide
William Sanderson played Lee Dollarhide in Coal Miner’s Daughter, a moonshiner and a friend to Doo Lynn. Lee tried to convince Doo to be his business partner, but Doo was hesitant about it.
Since appearing in Coal Miner’s Daughter, William has appeared in a variety of film and television projects. He is perhaps most well-known for playing the character Larry on the television series Newhart, which ran from 1982 to 1990.
More recently, he appeared as Sheriff Bud Dearborne on the television series True Blood.
Robert “Bob” Elkins – Bobby Day
Robert Elkins played radio DJ Bobby Day in Coal Miner’s Daughter. When Loretta and Doo came to visit his radio station, Loretta discovered that Bobby lied when he told her that he had listened to her record already. Loretta eventually convinced him to play her record, and that’s when it caught on like wildfire.
Prior to Coal Miner’s Daughter, Robert had never had a role in a major motion picture before. The film opened up a whole new world for him, and he has since taken on many more roles. He won the award for Best Actor at the 2003 Dublin Film and Music Festival in Ireland for his portrayal of a homeless man in the independent short film, Homefree.
After that, Bob appeared in various other shorts and also made an appearance on the TV series Homeland in 2011.
Beverly D’Angelo – Patsy Cline
Beverly D’Angelo had some big shoes to fill when she signed up to play Loretta’s close friend and country music legend Patsy Cline in Coal Miner’s Daughter.
In the end, Beverly delivered a performance that honored Patsy beautifully. Patsy had many songs featured in the film, and instead of lip syncing, Beverly sang all of them herself. She was nominated for a Golden Globe for her outstanding performance.
The film was one of Beverly’s first, and she’s now appeared in dozens. Just a couple of the most notable films she’s been in over the decades include National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and American History X. She has also taken on a handful of television roles, and has appeared on popular series such as Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and The Simpsons.
Tommy Lee Jones – Oliver “Doolittle” Lynn
Like Beverly, Tommy Lee Jones was also nominated for a Golden Globe for his role in Coal Miner’s Daughter. Tommy played Loretta’s husband, Oliver “Doolittle” Lynn, who was the main person that encouraged Loretta to chase her dreams. Although the couple had a rocky relationship, Doo was always there to help support his wife when she needed him most.
Doo isn’t the only real-life character that Tommy has ever played. He’s played many historical figures in film and television, including U.S. Army General Douglas MacArthur in 2012’s Emperor, Republican Congressman Thaddeus Stevens in 2012’s Lincoln, and baseball player Ty Cobb in 1994’s Cobb. In addition to all of that, Tommy is also known for his roles in No Country for Old Men, The Fugitive, and Men in Black.
Tommy’s most recent role was as the character Leo in the 2017 comedy Just Getting Started.
Sissy Spacek – Loretta Lynn
Prior to taking on the role as Loretta in Coal Miner’s Daughter, Sissy Spacek was already well-known for playing the lead role in the 1976 horror film, Carrie.
But after Coal Miner’s Daughter, Sissy’s life changed forever. Just as Beverly sang all of Patsy’s songs in the film, Sissy sang all of Loretta’s without lip syncing. Her vocal performance and overall performance in the film were highly praised by fans and critics alike. She was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress, which she won.
Sissy has certainly kept herself busy since she finished filming Coal Miner’s Daughter. She has continued to take on notable roles, including those in the films The River, Crimes of the Heart, and In the Bedroom. She was nominated for an Academy Award for all three of those films and won a Golden Globe for the latter two.
Have you seen any of the actors’ other projects since they were in Coal Miner’s Daughter? Which one was your favorite?