In the 1985 sci-fi film Cocoon, Wilford Brimley portrayed a character who appeared significantly older than his actual age at the time. While he was 52 years old during the filming of the movie, the character he played was “aged up” with the help of makeup and special effects to fit the requirements of the script.
Brimley’s portrayal of a senior citizen in Cocoon was enhanced by the use of prosthetics, makeup, and other techniques to give him a more aged appearance. The makeup artists skillfully added wrinkles, age spots, and other signs of aging to make him look older than he actually was. This transformation allowed him to convincingly play the role of a retired senior living in a retirement community.
It’s worth noting that Brimley’s age in Cocoon was not indicative of his real-life appearance at the time. In fact, outside of the film, Brimley did not possess the same level of aged features as seen in his character. This is a testament to the talent and expertise of the makeup artists who worked on the film.
Wilford Brimley, known for his roles in films like The Thing, Hard Target, and The Firm, brought depth and authenticity to his character in Cocoon. Despite being younger than the character he portrayed, Brimley’s performance and the makeup effects allowed him to fully embody the role and deliver a convincing performance.
Beyond his work in Cocoon, Brimley became a familiar face to many through his appearances in Quaker Oats commercials during the 1980s and 1990s. In these commercials, he often delivered the oatmeal brand’s famous slogan: “It’s the right thing to do and the tasty way to do it.” His recognizable voice and persona made him a beloved figure in advertising and pop culture.
Wilford Brimley’s age in Cocoon was a product of skilled makeup and special effects. Despite being 52 years old at the time of filming, Brimley convincingly portrayed an older character through the use of prosthetics and other techniques. His performance in Cocoon, along with his extensive filmography, has solidified his status as a respected character actor in the industry.
Why Did Wilford Brimley Look So Old In Cocoon?
Wilford Brimley appeared older in the movie Cocoon due to the use of makeup and prosthetics to age his character. The film required Brimley’s character to be portrayed as an elderly man, and to achieve this look, the makeup artists used various techniques to enhance his age.
1. Aging makeup: Makeup artists used special techniques to create the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, and other signs of aging on Brimley’s face. This involved using prosthetics, special effects makeup, and contouring techniques to add depth and texture to his skin.
2. Hair and wardrobe: Brimley’s character in Cocoon had a specific look that contributed to his aged appearance. His hair was styled to appear thinning and gray, and his wardrobe choices were tailored to reflect an elderly man’s fashion sense.
3. Visual storytelling: The aging of Brimley’s character was crucial to the film’s plot. In Cocoon, a group of elderly individuals discover a fountain of youth, so it was essential for Brimley’s character to visibly contrast with the rejuvenated versions of the other characters later in the movie.
By using the combination of makeup, hairstyling, wardrobe, and visual storytelling, Wilford Brimley’s appearance was convincingly aged in Cocoon. This transformation helped to enhance the narrative and bring the character to life on the screen.
What Commercials Did Wilford Brimley Do?
Wilford Brimley, a well-known character actor, had a notable presence in various commercials throughout the 1980s and 1990s. One of his most recognizable advertising campaigns was for Quaker Oats, where he became the face of the brand. Brimley appeared in several commercials for Quaker Oats, promoting their oatmeal products. In these commercials, he often delivered the brand’s famous slogan, “It’s the right thing to do and the tasty way to do it.”
Aside from his work with Quaker Oats, Brimley also appeared in commercials for other brands. While specific details may vary, here are a few noteworthy commercials he did:
1. The Thing: Brimley featured in a commercial for The Thing, a science fiction horror film released in 1982. The advertisement likely aimed to generate interest in the movie by showcasing Brimley’s involvement.
2. Hard Target: Brimley was part of a commercial for Hard Target, an action film released in 1993. This advertisement likely aimed to attract audiences by featuring Brimley’s recognizable face.
3. The Firm: Brimley appeared in a commercial for The Firm, a legal thriller film released in 1993. By including Brimley in the advertisement, the goal was likely to leverage his popularity and draw attention to the movie.
It is worth noting that while Brimley’s involvement in these commercials added a familiar and trusted presence, the specific content and context of the advertisements may vary. Nonetheless, Brimley’s commercials for Quaker Oats remain some of his most memorable and iconic contributions to the advertising industry.
Conclusion
Wilford Brimley’s age in the film Cocoon was a result of clever makeup and special effects. At 52 years old, Brimley portrayed an older character who was later made to look younger as the story progressed. Despite his appearance in the film, it is important to note that Brimley has had a long and successful career as a character actor, with notable roles in films such as The Thing, Hard Target, and The Firm. Additionally, Brimley became widely recognized for his appearances in Quaker Oats commercials, where he famously delivered the brand’s slogan. While he may have looked older than Paul Rudd at 52, it is crucial to acknowledge the artistic choices and techniques employed in the production of Cocoon.
