How Bruce Dern Landed Hitchcock’s Last Role Over Al Pacino

Bruce Dern, a Hollywood veteran born in 1936, stands as a living bridge to the golden age of cinema. Approaching his 90th birthday, Dern continues to deliver standout performances, but his legacy is deeply rooted in his connections to film legends. Among his most notable experiences is working with Alfred Hitchcock—not once, but twice. His first appearance was a fleeting role as a sailor in the 1964 thriller Marnie. His second, however, was far more significant: he played George Lumley in the darkly comedic Family Plot, sharing the screen with Barbara Harris, who portrayed his psychic girlfriend, Blanche. Together, their characters become entangled in a web of kidnapping and intrigue.

Behind the Casting: Hitchcock’s Unusual Choice

In a candid interview with Cowboys & Indians magazine, Dern recounted his surprise at being selected for such a pivotal role. He recalled a conversation with Hitchcock, whom he affectionately called ‘Hitch,’ that shed light on the director ’s decision-making process.

“First of all, Bruce, Mr Packino wanted too much money,”

Hitchcock told him, referring to Al Pacino.

“He wanted a million dollars.”

Dern continued,

“Hitch doesn’t pay a million dollars. Even Miss [Julie] Andrews and Mr [Paul] Newman didn’t get a million dollars from Hitch [for Torn Curtain]. I said, ‘I see, but that still doesn’t explain it. I don’t quite get what you’re telling me.’ He said, ‘Well, first of all, all [Italians] should have their names spelled phonetically.’ Suddenly, I realized, Mr Packino was Al Pacino.”

The bracketed word “Italians” in the quote hints at Hitchcock’s unique way of expressing himself, leaving Dern momentarily puzzled before the truth clicked.

Pacino’s Price and Hitchcock’s Praise

At the time, Pacino was riding high after starring in Serpico, The Godfather Part II, and Dog Day Afternoon, making him a top contender for the role of George. Despite Hitchcock’s legendary status, his recent lack of box office hits and declining health made the collaboration less appealing for Pacino, especially given his million-dollar asking price. Ultimately, this opened the door for Dern, who fit the film’s budget and vision.

Hitchcock offered Dern a unique compliment, telling him he was more “entertaining” than Pacino would have been. The director remarked,

“I have 1,242 [photos of actors] on the bulletin board, but none of them are interesting,”

and described Dern as the most unpredictable actor he’d ever worked with—a quality he considered the highest praise.

Family Plot: A Bittersweet Milestone

Family Plot would become Hitchcock’s final film, as his health continued to decline and he passed away just four years after its release. For Dern, starring in the last movie of such an iconic filmmaker is a remarkable achievement, even if he landed the part because he was a more affordable option. The experience remains a testament to his enduring talent and the unpredictable turns of Hollywood history.