Michael-Sarrazin-Obituary

Michael Sarrazin

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MONTREAL (AP) - Michael Sarrazin, the Canadian actor who rose to fame playing opposite big-screen legends like Paul Newman, Jane Fonda and George C. Scott, has died. He was 70 years old.

Sarrazin died Sunday in Montreal surrounded by family after a battle with cancer, said Michael Oscars, his agent and friend of 27 years, said Wednesday.

Born Jacques Michel Andre Sarrazin in Quebec City on May 22, 1940, he appeared in such films as "Sometimes a Great Notion," ''They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" and "The Flim-Flam Man," among others.

He also starred in the popular 1973 TV miniseries "Frankenstein: The True Story."

Sarrazin was remembered by his brother Pierre for his "wicked sense of wit," but fans might recall his "soulful eyes."

Major stardom proved elusive. Sarrazin suffered a professional setback in 1969 when he had to give up the role of Joe Buck in "Midnight Cowboy."

The actor was on his way to Texas for a costume fittin g when he found out his studio wouldn't release him from his contract, his brother said. He had to turn down a part that eventually went to Jon Voight.

"It was a very disappointing moment for him because the movie was wonderful," Pierre Sarrazin said. "Jon Voight's always been very gracious in mentioning that Michael had that role."

Sarrazin moved back to Montreal from Los Angeles a few years ago to be closer to his children.

Oscars, his agent, said the actor's daughters, Catherine and Michelle, were at his side when he died.


Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press

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He was my dream actor. I could not believe I sat next to him at Barney's Beanery in LA early 1980's. Nothing would come out of my mouth, but he was very kind to me. RIP you are missed

Gumball Rally, I remember fondly . And other films .

You were a great actor one of my favorites so handsome, I'm watching you now on Ray Bradbury theatre you are dearly missed rip

Superior in his Craft.

You touched my soul playing the tragic, yet 'beautiful' monster/creature in Frankinstein: The True Story. I watched other films of yours and loved your deeply spiritual eyes resonate in the roles you played. Rest in peace.

I still think about you in my dreams I loved your work and you and Miss Bissets romance!!
Love and prayers Joyz❤✝

I loved Michael. He was great in the Reincarnation of Peter Proud. May he RIP

I fell in Love with you in 3rd grade...the first time I got to stay up late and watch a monster movie started at 10:00 pm had my best friend Ann overnight. Mpls. MN 1974 the Frankenstein movie was on. I´m 57 now and you´re in Heaven where my daughter has been for 9 years. You have a special place in my heart God blessing be on your family

excellent actor especially in the Flim Flam man and They shoot horses don't they. My deepest condolences to his family.