Singer, songwriter and actor, born 22 June 1936 in Brownsville, Texas.
Both a respected recording artist and songwriter - among his best known compositions are "Me And Bobby McGee" (1969), "For The Good Times" (1970) and "Help Me Make It Through The Night" (1970) - he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2004.
Kristofferson is also well known for his left-wing views, making him something of a misfit in the American country scene.
Kristofferson was married to Rita Coolidge from 1973 until 1980. He's been married to Lisa Meyers since 1983 and they have five children.
