Kristofferson, Kris (1936- )

US country music artist and actor. A leading figure in the ‘New Nashville’ of the 1970s, he recorded several hit singles, collaborated with US country artists such as Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson, and appeared in films such as the 1976 remake of the 1937 film A Star is Born.

He is known for his hit singles including ‘Me and Bobby McGee’ (1969), ‘Help Me Make It Through The Night’ (1970), ‘Lovin' Her Was Easier (Than Anything I'll Ever Do Again)’ (1971), and ‘Why Me’ (1972). In 1985 he collaborated with Cash, Nelson, and Waylon Jennings to produce the album Highwaymen. The four toured as The Highwaymen and produced two further albums. He made his film debut in The Last Movie (1971).

Other films include Martin Scorsese's drama Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974), the Westerns Heaven's Gate (1980) and Lone Star (1996), the thrillers the Blade trilogy (1998-2004) and The Jacket (2005), and the fast-food industry expose Fast Food Nation (2006).