Final Respects for actor David Carradine

David Carradine as Kwai Chang Caine

Speculation continues today into the sudden, and shocking death June 4, of actor David Carradine. For most fans  it doesn’t matter why, or how Carradine age 72, died. All that matters is the man, his work, and the legacy he left behind.

For me he will always be "Kwai Chang Caine", a character from the television series “Kung Fu’. As a kid I watched the re runs over and over. The simple way his character Caine carried himself against adversity fascinated me. No matter how horrible people were to him he never stooped to their tactics instead he rose above the situation. For his character Caine, taking the high road almost always led to a positive outcome. It seemed to prove that  “ Good guys could finish first”. It was almost like he was a disciple of Jesus Christ, except that he was Buddist, and could fight "Kung Fu",but only if absolutely necessary.
 

Carradine was laid to rest this past Saturday at Liberty at Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills, which is a 400-acre cemetery nearby the Los Angeles' Griffith Park. Even the elements seemed to mourn the loss of Carradine as the sky was overcast, and cold winds swept across the grounds. At the close of the service it was reported that the clouds parted and a magnificent sunset appeared.

 Attending the "invitation only" service were hundreds of guests.

Many of the guests included Holllywood's elite, including Jane Seymour, Edward James Olmos, Michael, Tom Selleck, Daryl Hannah Frances Fisher Ali Larter, and actor James Cromwell.

Lucy Liu, and Michael Madsen who costarred with Carradine in the “Kill Bill” film were also among the mourners. Rob Schneider also attended the service and was seen carrying a basket of flowers. 

                                                Rob Schneider carries flowers(AP Photo/Matt Sayles)

"Kill Bill" Co-star Lucy Lui (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
 

In a statement released last Thursday brothers Keith and Robert Carradine asked for privacy, and understanding while the family mourns. Before the service Keith Carradine briefly appeared outside and greeted some people before heading back inside. Many of the mourner wore western wear in respect of Carradine’s love of all things country.

The service was said to be very moving, and included a program with a photo of Carradine wearing a tuxedo on the front , and a beautiful sketch of the Actor was placed on the back. Also printed on the program were the lyrics to "Midnight Rider" by the Allman Brothers Band. There were several touching recollections given by family members. And the music chosen to remember Carradine featured The Beatles', "Let It Be", and Ludwig von Beethoven's "Requiem for a Fallen Hero."

Carradine, Born December 8, 1936 in Hollywood California
came from an acting family.

His father, John Carradine, was a character actor whose 50-year screen and stage career began back during Hollywood's early years. In Carradine's early years he appeared in roles on Gunsmoke, The Virginian, East Side/ West Side and even on the Bob Hope Theater . His role as Kwai Chang Caine in the hit show “Kung Fu" earned him both an Emmy, and Golden Globe. Later he went on to star in “Death Race 2000” and 1977 Ingmar Bergman's "The Serpent's Egg". Also in the 1980’s, but he won a Golden Globe for his role in the mini series “North and South” .

Over the years he continued to be interested in Asian herbs, philosophy, and fitness. He also made instructional videos on Tai Chi, and other martial arts. When Director Quentin Tarantino offered, and cast Carradine in his "Kill Bill" films, his career rose to new heights. The role in "Kill Bill — Vol. 2." garnered him a “Golden Globe” nomination for best supporting actor.

Above John Carradine and David in happier days (AP FILE)

( WIKIPEDIA FILE)

Rumor has it that for years Carradine wanted to get away from being typecast as Caine. Fans across the world are hopeful that he had made peace with Caine. Kwai Chang Caine was the role of a lifetime, and its impact will continue to be his legacy for years to come.
 

                              “ You have done well Grasshopper” and we will all miss you."

                           Oct. 26, 1985 (file photo) shows David Carradine, right, and Brandon Lee

                                       practicing a fight sequence in Los Angeles

                                       for a sequel to the television series "Kung Fu."

                            Flowers  placed by Carradines Hollywood Star (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

David Carradine's 2009 credits (many are still in post production):

Night of the Templar   http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0768222/
Money to Burn http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1425930/
Six days in Paradise http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1405414/
Su Qi-Er http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1425257/
The Rain http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1212023/
Detention http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0990363/
Autumn http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1198333/
Mental http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1245695/
Book of Judges http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1290284/
Crank High Voltage http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1121931/
Bad Cop http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1349480/
Absolute Evil http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1343076/
Road of no return http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1298716/

To see a full list of his credits go to: www.imdb.com/name/nm0001016/