John Denver

But despite the promise of this film, Denver did not act again until 1986 when he played a supporting role in Michael Pressman's made-for-TV holiday movie, The Christmas Gift (1986). Denver had a starring role opposite Jessica Tandy and Hume Cronyn in Foxfire (1987); he made his final film appearance as an actor the following year in Higher Ground (1988). When not performing, Denver worked with charitable organizations, including the fight against world hunger --he was appointed to the Presidential Commission on World Hunger by President Ronald Reagan. Denver was worked with pro-ecology, and wilderness protection. His hobbies included space exploration -- Denver was awarded a NASA commendation for his contributions, photography and aviation. He was a skilled pilot and often flew from his Colorado home to Northern California to visit his daughter. On Oct 12, 1997, Denver was killed when the ultra-light plane he was flying over Monterrey Bay crashed into the sea. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide