Hollywood films and friendships aside, actor Chelcie Ross’ legacy is that of a washed-up, “junk ball” pitcher—and he’s just fine with that. Ross, 82, has earned a lengthy list of “done that” in the film industry. Performing since 1977, when landing a part in the horror flick “Keep My Grave Open,” there isn’t much that the Oklahoma native hasn’t experienced in front of the camera.
He continues to work. Having an actor’s phone ring is at the top of his or her priority. Steady pay isn’t the norm for most working in the pretend world.
The insecurity of steady work is part of the evolution to being recognized and in demand by the studios. Fortunately for Ross, the Chicago-area resident can look back on being part of several memorable and financially successful films while working alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest box-office draws. Ross’s role as Captain Talcott in the thriller “Basic Instinct,” starring Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone, was a commercial success, grossing $352.
9 million. As George Walker in the 1986 release “Hoosiers,” starring Gene Hackman and Dennis Hopper, the $6 million budgeted project pulled in $28.6 million for distributor Orion Pictures.
But it was an April 1989 release by Morgan Creek Productions and Mirage Productions that has since defined Ross’ professional identity. Taking a flyer on a project written and directed by a then-unknown Rhode Islander, David S. Ward, the magic created with “Major League” conti.