Heart Beat

Nick Nolte

— Neal Cassady

Sissy Spacek

— Carolyn Cassady

John Heard

— Jack Kerouac

Ray Sharkey

— Ira (based on Allen Ginsberg)

Ann Dusenberry

— Stevie

Margaret Fairchild

— Mrs. Kerouac

Tony Bill

— Dick

Mary Margaret Amato

— Waitress

Kent Williams

— Ogden

Susan Niven

— Ogden's Secretary

Marcia Nasatir

— First Receptionist

Mickey Kelly

— Second Receptionist

Luis Contreras

— Mexican Junkie

Sharon Lee

— Blonde in Car

Stephen Davies

— Bob Bendix

Jenny O'Hara

— Betty Bendix

Don Brodie

— Dispatcher

John Larroquette

— TV Talk Show Host

Terence H. Winkless

— Youth in Bar

Steve Allen

— Steve Allen

David Lynch

— Painter (uncredited)

Mickey Kelly

— Second Receptionist

Raymond Vitte

— Undercover Agent