You may not know the name but you’ve seen him in hundreds of movies and TV shows. He was Mr. Pizza Guy in FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH. He was the villain in THE LAST BOY SCOUT.
Taylor had the rare ability to play exaggerated characters and make them seem absolutely real and believable. He was also a chameleon. Give him any character and he could pull it off. He could also elevate just about any material you gave him.
And offstage, he was the dearest soul. I will miss his smile, the twinkle in his eye, and his uplifting spirit. Taken from us way too soon. RIP Taylor.
I used to run into him from time to time through the years. I remember when he was just starting out, then running into him a few times when he became successful, and he was the always the same, An extremely kind and generous person. Always genuinely interested in others.
ReplyDeleteA dynamic performer, and a true artist. He'll be missed.
Taylor's Ted Talk:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdhyBGS3ZHo
Rest in Peace Taylor Negron.
ReplyDeleteThis is a story that was broadcast last month on the Moth Radio Hour. It has it all, monkeys, Jim Morrison, and Bullfrogs named Jeremiah.
http://themoth.org/posts/stories/california-gothic
Sadly, the world became a little less funny today. R.I.P.
ReplyDeleteI knew Taylor for 36 years, and worked with him every week for about two years. A genuinely funny and highly original talent.
ReplyDeleteI saw him perform stand-up in Nashville on my honeymoon in 2000. I really had no idea who he was until he started telling his stories on the stage. Afterwards, I realized that he was "that guy" from different movies I had seen.
ReplyDeleteRIP
Years ago, I was fortunate to have participated in improv groups with Taylor Negron. He was a dynamic presence, wonderful talent, and nice guy. Improv creates a bond between its ranks, and Taylor became a bit of a legend. Many who's, whats and wheres are sharing this loss.
ReplyDeleteI've been a fan of Taylor Negron for over 30 years, but knew little about him. Thanks to everyone for posting the information about him.
ReplyDeleteJust a fan, but I would always brighten up when he popped up in something I was watching. My condolences to those who knew him.
ReplyDeleteHe was also the stoner mailman in Better Off Dead.
ReplyDeleteKen, do you think Taylor would've had a laugh when you wrote RIP Taylor? One would think if he is a spirit looking down at all this he would have apt least a chuckle. :-)
ReplyDeleteTaylor Negron was great fun. :-))
RIP, Taylor.
ReplyDeletePlease don't forget him as Julio in "Easy Money". Talking to the bush, calling Rodney, "Dad".
ReplyDeleteHysterical every time.
Rest in Peace, and may your family find many reasons to smile and love in the near future.
@Martin: "Hi, Badger. Your book on How To Pick Up Trashy Women came today. Tell me something... what's a little boy like you doing with big boy smut like this?"
ReplyDeleteGoddess, I adored that man. Stop taking the cool people and take some assholes, OK?
D. McEwan: I had a feeling you probably knew him. As sad as you may be now, revel in your friendship with such a lovely person. I wish I'd met him. Much love and strength to you and all who loved him.
Cheers, thanks a lot,
Storm