- Charlie Sheen, Deadfall, 1992. For once, the great family friend was not free – to join the third movie from another Coppola: Francey’s auteur nephew, Nic Cage’s brother, Christopher, aka Biker Chief.
- Mojo Nixon, Super Mario Brothers, 1992. The cowpubnk/psychobilly singer became Toad when Disney couldn’lt get Waits. Mojo’s agnent thad pitched him as a “third-rate Tom Waits-for half-price.” That sure matched the shoddy movie. One re-write was nicknamd Drain Man – well, the Marios were plumbers.
- Harvey Keitel, Smoke, 1995. Mr Gravel Voice was first choice of director Wayne Wang and novelist Paul Auster. Waits agreed but once shooting loomed up, he was no longer available. “And now,” says Auster, “I can’t imagine Auggie being anyone other than Keitel. He is Auggie!”
- Eric Roberts, Doctor Who (The Movie), TV, 1996.
- Woody Harrelson, A Prairie Home Companion, 2006. Revered director Robert Altman first asked Waits and Lyle Lovett to play singing cowboys, Lefty and Dusty. Woody and John C Reilly played them in what proved to be big Bob’s finale.
Birth year: Death year: Other name: Usual occupation: SingerCasting Calls: 4