Kris Kristofferson is a well-known American singer-songwriter and actor who has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry. However, not much is known about his parents, Lars Henry Kristofferson and Mary Ann Ashbrook. Lars Henry Kristofferson was born on August 16, 1905, in Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington, to his parents Lars Herbert Fredrik Kristofferson and Elin Karolina Johansson Kristofferson. He was the son of Swedish immigrants who came to the United States in the late 1800s. Lars was not the only child of his parents, and he had two siblings, namely, Hilda and Fred.
On the other hand, Mary Ann Ashbrook was born on August 14, 1911, in Missouri, USA. She was the daughter of Roy Wilson Ashbrook and Anna Louise Adams. Not much is known about her early life, but it is believed that she met Lars Henry Kristofferson in California, where they got married and started a family. Together, they had five children, namely, Kris, Karen, Michael, Jan, and Mark.
In this article, we will delve deeper into the lives of Lars Henry Kristofferson and Mary Ann Ashbrook, the parents of Kris Kristofferson. We will explore their backgrounds, their family history, and their contributions to society. With this information, we hope to shed light on the lives of these two individuals who have played a significant role in shaping the life of one of America’s most iconic musicians and actors.
Family Background
Kris Kristofferson was born to Lars Henry Kristofferson and Mary Ann Ashbrook on June 22, 1936, in Brownsville, Texas. His parents had different backgrounds and came from different parts of the United States.
Lars Henry Kristofferson
Lars Henry Kristofferson was born on August 16, 1905, in Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington, to Lars Herbert Fredrik Kristofferson and Elin Karolina Johansson. He was the son of Swedish immigrants. Lars Henry Kristofferson was a United States Air Force general who pushed his son to a military career. He died from a heart attack in Fallbrook, San Diego County, California on January 01, 1971, at the age of 65.
Mary Ann Ashbrook
Mary Ann Ashbrook was born on July 15, 1917, in Wichita, Kansas, to Roy Wilson Ashbrook and Anna Louise Adams. She was a nurse and later became a teacher. Mary Ann Ashbrook’s family moved to San Antonio, Texas, when she was a child. She met Lars Henry Kristofferson while working at a military base in California. They got married in 1935 and had three children together, including Kris Kristofferson. Mary Ann Ashbrook passed away in 1953 when Kris Kristofferson was just 17 years old.
Kris Kristofferson had a unique upbringing due to his father’s military career, which involved moving frequently. This experience shaped his songwriting and acting career, as he drew inspiration from the people and places he encountered.
Impact on Kris Kristofferson’s Career
Kris Kristofferson’s parents, Lars Henry Kristofferson and Mary Ann Ashbrook, had a significant impact on his career. Lars Henry Kristofferson was a retired Air Force major and a former U.S. Army Air Corps pilot. His military background and discipline instilled in Kris a strong work ethic and a sense of duty. This helped Kris succeed in his career, where he became a respected singer, songwriter, and actor.
Mary Ann Ashbrook, on the other hand, was a talented musician who played the piano and sang. She passed on her love for music to Kris, who developed a passion for it at a young age. Kris would later go on to become one of the most influential country music artists of his time. His parents’ musical influence also helped him become a successful songwriter, as he wrote some of the most iconic country songs of all time, including “Me and Bobby McGee” and “Help Me Make It Through the Night.”
Kris Kristofferson’s parents were also supportive of his career, which helped him overcome some of the challenges he faced in the music industry. Their unwavering support gave Kris the confidence he needed to pursue his dreams and become a successful artist.
Overall, Lars Henry Kristofferson and Mary Ann Ashbrook’s impact on Kris Kristofferson’s career cannot be overstated. Their military background, musical influence, and unwavering support helped shape Kris into the artist he is today.