Rip Torn is a major American character actor of movies and television, who has stumbled, apparently. Last January, Rip Torn was arrested after he allegedly broke into a Connecticut bank, while drunk and with a loaded gun. Yesterday, after pleading guilty to charges, he was sentenced to a 2 1/2-year suspended sentence and to three years of probation. Mr. Torn is 79.
He is one the best character actors. He was great on The Larry Sanders Show. He was excellent as Richard M. Nixon in the 1979 TV mini-series, Blind Ambition. He was outstanding in a number of movies, including Men in Black
He has a problem with alcohol that seems to lead him into trouble. Yesterday at his sentencing, he released a statement through his attorney. He said that he was thankful no one was injured as a result of the incident at the Connecticut bank, and he was thankful he didn't end up in jail. See the video.
I hope that he gets his alcohol addiction under control. And many folks, who appreciate the skill and the contributions of good character actors, are thankful for his work in television and in the movies.