These Actors Benefited From the ‘Tarantino Boost’

1 minute read

Quentin Tarantino’s films are divisive. His most ardent fans have labeled him a genius auteur, while others have criticize his provocative approach to revisionist histories. But one thing that’s certain: the director is something of a fairy godfather when it comes to reviving the careers of flagging stars. Tarantino has a history of casting an actor whose career has slowed to a sputter—think John Travolta, three movies into the Look Who’s Talking franchise—and performing CPR by way of directing an unforgettable performance (in Travolta’s case, Vincent Vega in Pulp Fiction).

As Tarantino’s eighth film, The Hateful Eight, hits theaters on Dec. 25, here’s a look at the many beneficiaries of the Tarantino Boost.

Lawrence Tierney as Joe Cabot in Reservoir Dogs, 1992.
Lawrence Tierney as Joe Cabot in Reservoir Dogs, 1992.Miramax
John Travolta as Vincent Vega in Pulp Fiction, 1994.
John Travolta as Vincent Vega in Pulp Fiction, 1994.Miramax
Pam Grier as Jackie Brown in Jackie Brown, 1997.
Pam Grier as Jackie Brown in Jackie Brown, 1997.Miramax
Robert Forster as Max Cherry in Jackie Brown, 1997.
Robert Forster as Max Cherry in Jackie Brown, 1997.Miramax
David Carradine as Bill in Kill Bill: Volume 1, 2003, and Kill Bill: Volume 2, 2004.
David Carradine as Bill in Kill Bill: Volume 1, 2003, and Kill Bill: Volume 2, 2004.Miramax
Daryl Hannah as Elle Driver in Kill Bill: Volume 1, 2003, and Kill Bill: Volume 2, 2004.
Daryl Hannah as Elle Driver in Kill Bill: Volume 1, 2003, and Kill Bill: Volume 2, 2004.Miramax
Sonny Chiba as Hattori Hanzo in Kill Bill: Volume 1, 2003.
Sonny Chiba as Hattori Hanzo in Kill Bill: Volume 1, 2003.Miramax
Rod Taylor as Winston Churchill in Inglourious Basterds, 2009.
Rod Taylor as Winston Churchill in Inglourious Basterds, 2009.The Weinstein Company
1138856 - Django Unchained
Don Johnson as Spencer "Big Daddy" Bennett in Django Unchained, 2012.The Weinstein Company

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Write to Eliza Berman at eliza.berman@time.com