We all knew this droopy-eyed character actor who passed away at age 57.

Vincent Schiavelli, personally one of my favorite character actors, died from lung cancer. I didn't create this blog to list obituaries of famous and infamous persons, but recent deaths of people who've made an impression on me I've felt obligated to post something about. 

Mr. Schiavelli first impressed me as one of those loveable, mentally challenged patients who Jack Nicholson rejuvenated with life in the movie "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest."  When he resurfaced in the movie "Ghost," he again impressed me with his scary, yet human character who taught Patrick Swayze the art of moving objects around as a Ghost. 

I'm sure professional actors will hail his acting skills, but what I remember him for is that uniquely real look and presence he gave his characters onscreen. Think of the mental patients you remember from "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest." You may remember Cheswick and possibly one other, but nobody else comes to mind other than Jack and Mr. Schiavelli's character. 

There have been many actors who by sheer distinguishable look, have made it as leads in Hollywood; Marty Feldman, Rowan "Mr. Bean" Atkinson, Jimmy Durante. What these actors had going for them was comedy. It is common for us movie viewers to laugh at odd or comical looking characters on screen. I believe strange and/or unusual looking actors tend to use comedy as a way of making it in Hollywood. But Mr. Schiavelli, for whatever reason, didn't take that route in his acting career , and maybe that's why his name isn't well known. 

He was never a lead actor in a movie, but his performance in supporting roles will be remembered by all moviegoers as unforgettable. Who can forget that face and those droopy eyes that could scare one moment then beg compassion from an audience the next? 

I believe he did show comedic ability in some parts (he was actually in the movie "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," wow) but the parts he'll be remembered for are those where he wasn't the brunt of a joke or an oddity at a gathering. He will be remembered as that character who made you look in amazement, and re-evaluate your perception of what goes into the magic of an onscreen actor. Like many viewers, you might conclude that the beauty of acting is much more than what's seen on the surface.

Blessings go out to the family of Vincent Schiavelli. link to obituary