I hadn't heard the news until crazed mentioned it in Song Tag. Most people nowadays probably know him mostly from "Everybody Loves Raymond", bur Peter Boyle means a lot to me for two archetypal film performances he did in the '70s.

He should have received an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of the hateful bigot Joe (1970), where he "blackmailed" a rich businessman who he deduced had murdered a junkie who had gotten the latter man's daughter (a very young Susan Sarandon) hooked on drugs. Boyle's character is often considered an inspiration for the Archie Bunker character, and yes, Joe was very funny in a sick-and-twisted way, but Peter Boyle and the movie need a reexamination. It's low budget, but it's a very good film with one of the greatest endings in film history. Boyle easily carries the film. He really uses his voice and isn't afraid of getting naked to try to score with some teenagers. I can't recommend the film enough.

The other film, which is obviously better-known, is Mel Brooks' masterpiece, Young Frankenstein, where he played the Monster. Boyle is a hoot during the entire movie, and this is one which needs to be seen again. The entire cast is tremendous, but Boyle gets WAY more laughs than you could ever imagine, at least if you haven't seen it.

Bottom line: Peter Boyle R.I.P.

I think the first film I saw Peter Boyle in was Steelyard Blues which I really liked, though I don't recall it recieving many good reviews. Though I prefered his comedy roles over the blue-collar characters, his roles were always a plus to any film he was cast in.

R.I.P

I read Boyle's obit today in the "Times" and they neglected to mention two of my favorite Boyle roles. The roles were small, but memorable.

He had a small role as a taxi driver in Scorsese's TAXI DRIVER. I think he was called "The Wizard."

Another great film is the criminally underrated THE FRIENDS OF EDDIE COYLE, one of Robert Mitchum's best ever performances. Boyle has a small, but pivotal, role as a bartender, snitch & criminal. He was real sinister in this one.