<Tr> <Th> Language </Th> <Td> English </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Box office </Th> <Td> $56,399,659 </Td> </Tr> <P> The Big Chill is a 1983 American comedy - drama film directed by Lawrence Kasdan, starring Tom Berenger, Glenn Close, Jeff Goldblum, William Hurt, Kevin Kline, Mary Kay Place, Meg Tilly, and JoBeth Williams . The plot focuses on a group of baby boomer college friends, who attended the University of Michigan, reunite after 15 years when one of their old comrades, Alex, commits suicide without warning . Kevin Costner was cast as Alex, but all scenes showing his face were cut . </P> <P> The soundtrack features soul, R&B and pop - rock music from the 1960s and 70s, including tracks by Creedence Clearwater Revival, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, the Rolling Stones and Three Dog Night . </P>

Who played the dead friend in the big chill