Kevin Pollak Remembers Rip Torn’s Unusual On-Set Behavior

Actor Kevin Pollak recently recounted some of the most bizarre moments he experienced while working with the late Hollywood veteran, Rip Torn. These anecdotes come from his time on the set of the 1995 comedy film, “Canadian Bacon,” which starred John Candy.

Rip Torn’s Eccentric Behavior

During his appearance on “The Rich Eisen Show,” Pollak described Torn’s antics as unparalleled. Pollak noted how Torn’s actions kept everyone on set guessing. He shared how, almost daily, Torn would express his suspicion that someone in the cast or crew was against him. This unusual behavior was emblematic of Torn’s approach to interacting with colleagues.

Torn’s Repeated Nixon References

Pollak also shed light on Torn’s fixation with a past political incident. The veteran actor often brought up his alleged inclusion on former President Richard Nixon’s enemies list. Despite frequent mentions, Torn never explained the reasons behind his placement on this list, leaving Pollak and others with unanswered questions.

Memorable Moments Behind the Scenes

One of the most striking incidents involved fellow actor Kevin O’Connor and his new bride at the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto. They occupied the room next to Torn, and over time, they heard him arguing loudly through the walls. The couple eventually compiled their own collection of Torn’s most memorable lines, with one standout being, “I said milk it like a cow.” Pollak shared this story to highlight Torn’s unusual off-camera behavior.

Rip Torn’s Acclaimed Career

Torn’s eccentric nature didn’t overshadow his talent and accomplishments. He earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in “Cross Creek” and became a familiar face through films like “Men in Black” and television shows such as “The Larry Sanders Show.” His role as Artie on “The Larry Sanders Show” earned him six consecutive Emmy nominations and one Emmy Award in 1996.

These anecdotes, shared by Pollak, underscore the depth of Torn’s personality and the memorable experiences he left for his co-stars and crew.