John Denver on AllMovie

Blessed with a soaring tenor and a knack for writing upbeat songs promoting nature, love, the simple life and American values, John Denver was among the top mainstream country/pop of the early to mid '70s. At the peak of his popularity, Denver made a bid at becoming an actor playing an average Joe who finds himself face to face with God (as played by George Burns) in Oh God! (1977). Though consistently upstaged by the deadpan, cigar-chomping Burns, Denver held his own and showed a knack for acting. 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.