HORNELL, N.Y. (18 NEWS) – Following battles with invading aliens, a massive crocodile, and a friendly ghost, Bill Pullman was back in his hometown of Hornell — showcasing his newest story, “The Ballad of Lefty Brown.”
Many people filled the YMCA in Hornell to see Pullman, but it wasn’t just for a movie premier. It was also to help a cause.
“It’s a town that has a lot of heart, it’s gone through a lot of up’s and downs,” Pullman said. “It’s got it’s own grace and dignities and connections to values that I’ve carried with me.”
He was back home, Friday Night, for the premiere of his newest movie, “The Ballad of Lefty Brown,” a movie about a cowboy who is killed and Pullman’s character tries to find the killer.
The premiere was also to honor former mayor, Shawn Hogan, and raise money for a scholarship with his name.
“When there’s a civic leader that people have honored and respected for their consistent values, how hard he’s worked to keep industry and jobs in Hornell,” Pullman said, “we ought to mark it with something so that’s why (I said) let’s have a premiere.”
Among all his movies and Hollywood stardom, Bill Pullman always finds the time to come back to Hornell. More so on a night like this for a drive, for a scholarship.
The scholarship will go to a student who demonstrates civic mindedness and community service.
“He wanted to do something special, he wanted to honor my service, but he also wanted to do something for the community,” Shawn Hogan, the former mayor, said. “He says, ‘let me put my arm around this a little bit and I’ll call you back.'”
Hogan said that around Thanksgiving, Pullman called him “and says ‘I’d like to do a scholarship fund at the Y’. He’s been more than generous to the community over the years.”
All the money raised was from ticket sales, auctions and a donation from Pullman himself.
“I’ve lived around a lot of places and I just love this,” Pullman said. “The hills, the valleys and the people that are living here.”
Hogan said his favorite Bill Pullman movie is “The Serpent and the Rainbow.”
Source: Actor and Hornell native Bill Pullman, back in town for premier and fundraiser