Gary Oldman Remembers His Most Memorable Movie Death

LONDON, UK — Actor Gary Oldman recently reflected on his most memorable on-screen death in the 1993 film True Romance. Known for his diverse roles as Hollywood’s go-to villain in the 1990s, Oldman portrayed Drexl Spivey, a menacing drug dealer with a notorious reputation.

In a recent interview, Oldman explained that despite having played many characters who meet grisly ends, his favorite death scene was Drexl’s. “I’ve died in a lot of movies, but to have my dick blown off and then get shot in the face with my eyes open, that’s up there,” he said with a grin.

Oldman’s performance as Drexl, characterized by a bizarre hairstyle and an unsettling demeanor, was both daring and controversial. He adopted a faux-Black patois that sparked conversations about representation and appropriation. Director Tony Scott praised Oldman’s commitment to the role during a retrospective, recalling how Oldman brought his 70-year-old mother to the set. “After a take, he’d say, ‘Mum, what do you think?’” Scott chuckled. Oldman’s mother would often respond positively, prompting Oldman to playfully refute her opinions.

The film, co-written by Quentin Tarantino, features Drexl meeting a violent end, which was more graphic in the original cut. Scott noted that they toned down the violence for theatrical release. “I wore a metal cup during the scene,” Oldman recalled, emphasizing the extreme measures taken during filming.

Oldman’s choice of favorite death reflects not just his appreciation of the character but also highlights the interplay of violence and humor in his career. “It was a truly spectacular death,” he concluded, solidifying Drexl’s legacy as a standout in his portfolio.