An American actor, filmmaker and artist. He made his first television appearance in 1954, and appeared in two films featuring James Dean, Rebel Without a Cause (1955) and Giant (1956). By the end of the 1960s, he had played supporting roles in several films. He directed and starred in Easy Rider (1969) and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay as co-writer. He was unable to build on his success for several years, until a featured role in Apocalypse Now (1979) brought him attention. He subsequently appeared in Rumble Fish (1983) and The Osterman Weekend (1983), and received critical recognition for his work in Blue Velvet and Hoosiers, with the latter film earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He directed Colors (1988) and played the villain in Speed (1994).