Robert Oliver Reed (13 February 1938 – 2 May 1999) was an English actor known for his upper-middle class, macho image, hellraiser lifestyle, and "tough guy" roles. Notable films include The Trap (1966), playing Bill Sikes in the Best Picture Oscar winner Oliver! (1968), Women in Love (1969), Hannibal Brooks (1969), The Devils (1971), portraying Athos in The Three Musketeers (1973), Tommy (1975), Lion of the Desert (1981), Castaway (1986), The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988) and Funny Bones (1995).
For playing Antonius Proximo, the old, gruff gladiator trainer in Ridley Scott's Gladiator (2000) in what was his final film, Reed was posthumously nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. At the peak of his career, in 1971, British exhibitors voted Reed 5th most popular star at the box office.[1] An alcoholic, Reed's issues with drink were well publicised, from appearances on chat shows to a high-profile friendship with drinking partner, the Who drummer Keith Moon, with the two meeting while working on Tommy.
The 78 years young performer is featured in this limited edition of 50 Pop Art Disruptive print. Signed by the Artist Jim Wheat honouring one of the most charismatic comedians of all time with his picture duplicated across four squares, each one washed with a neon colour in the style of Pop Art portraiture, and subtly emblazoned with the dollar sign. Focusing the trope of money through people, places, and occasions, Dollarsandart's celebrity prints comment on the tense relationship between fame and finance in contemporary culture.