Once worked as a janitor and considered going into stand-up comedy
Was a student at the University of Houston when Peter Bogdanovich cast him in the 1968 film Targets
He went on to work with the director on The Last Picture Show (1971), What's Up, Doc? (1972) and Paper Moon (1973)
Met his wife, a production assistant and former model, while filming the 1989 flick Bloodhounds of Broadway
Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2003
Provided the voice of the animated Colonel in KFC commercials
Was arrested twice–once in 2009 for allegedly defrauding an innkeeper and again in 2010 on burglary charges–and has sought asylum status in Canada with his wife
Awards
2008Vancouver Film Critics-Best Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Canadian Film:winner
2006Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television:nominated
2005Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie:nominated
2005Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture:nominated
1990Independent Spirit Awards-Best Male Lead:nominated
1988Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television:winner
1987Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Special:nominated
1984Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Special:nominated
1975BAFTA Film Awards-Best Supporting Actor:nominated
1974Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture:nominated
1973Oscar-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role:nominated