Jesse James, Rick Dial, Henry Thomas on the set of The Last Ride
The Arkansas film community lost one of our own this evening. Rick Dial a successful actor and all around great man passed away this afternoon surrounded by friends and family. We will all miss him not only for his art, but for his kind and generous nature.
The following is a letter from Harry Thomason on his friend and collaborator.
I was screening The Last Ride a few weeks ago for some people in Los Angeles
when Rick Dial appeared on the screen, an actress of note turned to me and
said, “Who is the guy who is playing the bartender?”. I told her a little about Rick
and she said, “He is such a great actor and there is something about him that lights
up the entire room.”
It is so true, Rick wore an aura of light – you just knew everything was going to be okay
if he was around. The world just felt like it was a better place when Rick was there.
Rick was born with more natural acting ability in his little finger than a lifetime of study
could achieve for most. I can truly say that never, in a single one of his films, was he
caught “acting”. He didn’t have to act – he just was whatever role he was portraying!
I hate the Lord has taken him so soon, we sure could have used him here for a while longer, but on the other hand, I can understand why the Lord wanted him, you can’t have to many good men around you!
Rest in peace friend.
Harry Thomason
Rick was a really great guy and was well thought of In our Arkansas furniture industry!
Rick Dial-what a wonderful legacy he leaves behind for his Lord, his family and his friends….
RIP and know you were loved by many!
Rick has been a part of my life all my school years and some work years in real estate. He was a great at selling furniture and very pleasant to deal with in anything. My heart goes out to the family.
Rick was a wonderful actor. It was an absolutely pleasure working with him on “Where’s My Close-up Mr. Thornton?” He will be missed greatly. RIP Rick.
Rick was much more than an actor; Rick was an INFLUENCE on all who came in contact with him!! Having known Rick since both he and myself were in our teens and having enjoyed playing music with him and singing with him in some bands, I came to know a very warm-hearted, happy and giving individual whose vocal talent was matched only by his love for his family and his faith in God. Yes, Rick will be missed by all who knew him and I will miss a wonderful friend. RIP my friend, and keep on singing in heaven, okay?
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Rick was one of the most precious people a person could know. I’ll miss him every day. I was surprised by his acting ability every time I watched him in a role and looked forward to working with him in the near future on a project of mine. He will be greatly missed.