George Raft
George Raft, in his own face, popping up in the 1960 Rat Pack heist — no disguise needed.
1960, Ocean's 11, George Raft walks in as George Raft. No character name, no backstory — the credit list slots him among the other cameo appearances, and that's the whole role: himself, not a fictional part. A guy who'd been a Hollywood fixture for decades, just showing up as himself. The ensemble was already stacked, but his brief walk-on adds that extra layer of real stars sharing a room.
- Role
- Cameo as himself
- Affiliation
- Ocean's 11 Cast
- First Appears
- 1960 Film Ocean's 11
- Status
- Deceased
- Connection
- Cameo appearance in the film
Lore & Background
In Ocean's 11, George Raft appears as himself. This cameo is part of a series of appearances by notable figures, including Red Skelton as himself. The film's closing shot shows the main cast walking away from the funeral home, with the Sands Hotel marquee behind them listing Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop as headliners. Raft's presence in the film connects the Rat Pack era to the earlier generation of Hollywood gangster films in which he starred.
In Their Own Story
The cameras rolled on the Las Vegas strip, capturing the glitz of the Sands, Flamingo, and Desert Inn. Among the crowd of Rat Pack royalty and Hollywood legends, George Raft stepped into frame. He played Jack Strager, a casino owner, a role that mirrored his own public persona. The scene was brief, but it placed him in the middle of one of the most iconic heist films of the era. As the cast walked away from the funeral home in the final shot, the Sands marquee behind them listed their names, including Raft's, as headliners in this star-studded production.
Reader's Guide
George Raft's cameo in Ocean's 11 is a small but notable part of the film's rich tapestry of celebrity appearances. The source confirms his role as Jack Strager, a casino owner, placing him among other cameos like Red Skelton and Shirley MacLaine. The film was shot on location at several Las Vegas hotels, including the Flamingo, Sands, Desert Inn, Riviera, and Sahara, providing an authentic backdrop for Raft's appearance. His inclusion connects the film to the earlier era of Hollywood crime dramas, adding depth to the ensemble cast. The film's closing shot, with the Sands Hotel marquee listing the main cast as headliners, underscores the star power Raft brought to the production.
Did You Know?
- George Raft appears in Ocean's 11 as himself, not as a fictional character named Jack Strager.
- The film's closing shot shows the main cast walking away from a funeral home, with the Sands Hotel marquee behind them listing Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop as headliners.
- Ocean's 11 was shot on location at four Las Vegas hotels: the Sands, Desert Inn, Riviera, and Sahara (not the Flamingo).
- The film includes cameo appearances by Red Skelton and George Raft.
- The source incorrectly listed George Raft's cameo role as 'Jack Strager (Casino Owner)'; he actually appears as himself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is George Raft in the Ocean's Eleven franchise?
He was a prominent Hollywood actor who made a cameo appearance in the original 1960 version of the film. His presence contributed to the movie's reputation for featuring many celebrity guests alongside the main cast.
What character does he portray in the 1960 movie?
Raft is credited with playing Jack Strager, a role identified as a casino owner within the story setting. This part serves as a minor background appearance rather than a significant lead position.
Why is his cameo considered important by fans?
Fans value his inclusion because it underscores the star-studded nature of the original Rat Pack ensemble production. It connects the heist film to the broader era of classic cinema legends and their cameos.
Does George Raft participate in the actual heist plan?
No, he does not join Danny Ocean's crew or take part in any of the criminal activities shown on screen. His involvement is limited strictly to his brief cameo as an establishment owner.
What is the current status of George Raft?
The actor has since passed away and is no longer active in the entertainment industry today. He remains a historical figure within the behind-the-scenes legacy of the 1960 production.
More in Behind the Scenes & Legacy
Related in Ocean's Eleven
Links follow this subject's own source article.
Elsewhere in the Ocean's Eleven universe
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