10 Times There Were Fistfights On Movie Sets

In the first of two entries to feature Rip Torn, we get a bit of an idea about how his temperament was at this stage of his life and career. While he was an excellent actor who is probably best known for his role in Men In Black, these two entries will show that he had some issues with his self-control and restraint at times.

When filming was ongoing for Easy Rider in 1969, Torn and Dennis Hopper met at a diner to discuss the project as the writer had Torn in mind for a part in the movie. After a falling out where Hopper offended the Rip, the two almost came to blows - and the part which Torn was being considered for instead went to Jack Nicholson.

The near dust-up lay dormant for years until Hopper chose to tell a story on a late-night talk show where he said that Rip Torn attacked him with a knife after the role went to Nicholson. Rip denied the incident took place, insisting it was Hopper who used the knife, and a court agreed.

Hopper paid damages and costs when he lost the ensuing defamation lawsuit.

Verdict: The American Justice System