Leif Garrett - Why so hated?

[Two-Bitty]

I don't see why Leif Garrett is so hated. It was one role, one simple role. Personally I think he grasped his character real well and should be commended for his effort. He shouldn't be hated. Sure Leif doesn't have the movie star looks ("Ew, he's so ugly." as one of my friends said), but he's a good actor. Looks aren't everything.

Any thing to say about Leif Garrett? Or am I wasting my time?

[Keira]

You're not wasting your time! I've never hated nor liked Leif Garrett. I've always been Switzerland with him (Twilight,anyone? lol) I thought he played Bob just fine and easily overlook the fact that he doesn't look at all like Bob is supposed to. He transitioned from pop star to actor nicely, and I thought he did a fine job in the role. It was easy to NOT like his character.

I think he could've played out his personal life a little better than he has, but I don't know him nor know really enough ABOUT him to pretend I know enough to pass any judgment.

[Nittanylizard]

I didn't hate Leif, and I think he did a good job with the acting, but he didn't fit my image of Bob's character. Part of it was looks, but that was only a small fraction. I mean, Matt Dillon didn't fit Dally's looks, but I think he captured the character very well.

I think that reading the way Ponyboy described Bob throughout the story, I would expect somebody with a more intimidating presence that demands a certain respect, even when (especially when?) you're on their bad side. I'm thinking somebody who just has an air about them that makes them intimidating on their own, even when their friends aren't around.

The way it was played in the movie, Bob seemed more like the kind of guy who had a big mouth when his buddies were around and when he was drinking, but who wouldn't be much of a force to be reckoned with alone. I also think his bad points were all we saw, so it wasn't easy to find anything to like about him or to relate to. I would have liked to have seen some glimmer of what Cherri saw in him.

So I think Leif did a good job from an acting standpoint, but I personally didn't like him in that part.

[Two-Bitty]

I think that reading the way Ponyboy described Bob throughout the story, I would expect somebody with a more intimidating presence that demands a certain respect, even when (especially when?) you're on their bad side. I'm thinking somebody who just has an air about them that makes them intimidating on their own, even when their friends aren't around.

I think because he made the transition from pop star to actor, and went to such a stern, intimidating role, that no one really took him seriously. I think that if he had the chance, he could be someone to look out for, someone to make you watch your back in the movie. It's just the fact Leif Garrett was looked down on for his role made me somewhat angry.

[Keira]

It could be because I first saw him in The Outsiders before knowing that he was a pop star (imagine my surprise when I came across one of his old LPs in my mom's collection).

I really haven't given him much thought one way or another, but I really like what Liz had to say. He did fine from an acting stand point, but wasn't - and isn't - the Bob I have in mind. I think from a physical stand point he's affected the way I view Bob (blond, not brunette, skinnier as opposed to well built), but not enough to completely over take what I original pictured.

[murderofcrows]

his acting is good, but when you're into drugs as much as he was/is, you tend to rub people the wrong way and it taints their view of your performance

[Two-Bitty]

I'm just glad Leif made it out of his addiction alright.

[murderofcrows]

i don't know if he is fully recovered. he was just arrested a couple of years ago for drugs, i haven't heard anything about him since.