Prince a patchy performer on screen, from Purple Rain to Graffiti Bridge
Flamboyant singer-songwriter was a perfect fit for Hollywood, winning an Oscar, starring in Purple Rain, which he wrote and directed, and contributing his songs to dozens of soundtracks
Flamboyant, expressive and larger than life despite his diminutive stature, Prince fit perfectly in Hollywood. He won an Oscar, starred in a big-screen hit, wrote and directed, and lent his songs to scores of productions.
Prince, who died unexpectedly on Thursday at the age of 57, won an Academy Award for his original songs in 1984’s Purple Rain, the film that introduced him to the movie-going masses.
Wearing ruffles, eyeliner and Jheri curl, Prince made his acting debut playing a sexy, androgynous young musician on the cusp of fame. His character, the Kid, was escaping his parents, falling in love with Apollonia and battling Morris Day for top billing.
The film amplified Prince’s sex-symbol status and popularity in real life. He had released five albums before making Purple Rain, which shot him to the top of music charts around the world.
Besides winning the Oscar for original song score (a category that no longer exists), the Purple Rain soundtrack won Grammy Awards for its writing and performance.
