Biography
Rockets Redglare (born Michael Morra) was an American character actor and stand-up comedian. He appeared in over 30 films during the 1980s and 1990s, often in independent productions and supporting roles in mainstream films.
Redglare made his screen debut as a poker player in Jim Jarmusch's Stranger Than Paradise (1984). He went on to appear in further Jarmusch films including Down by Law (1986) as Gig and Mystery Train (1989) as a liquor store clerk. Other credits include Desperately Seeking Susan (1985) as a taxi driver, After Hours (1985) as an angry mob member, Big (1988) as a motel clerk, Talk Radio (1988), Basquiat (1996) as himself, and Animal Factory (2000) as Big Rand. He also had a television role in the series Oz (1997).
Before acting, Redglare worked as a roadie for the band The Hassles, which included a young Billy Joel, and as a bodyguard and drug supplier to Sid Vicious and Jean-Michel Basquiat. He performed stand-up comedy in New York City's East Village clubs, including his Taxi Cabaret show. Redglare died in New York City on 28 May 2001.
