All articles tagged with #actor
Peter Van Norden, a veteran character actor known for Police Academy 2 and The Stand, died in California at 75, his son confirmed on Instagram. A New York native and Colgate alumnus, he began on stage before appearing in films such as The Accused, Waitress!, and Gigli, and on TV in Cheers, St. Elsewhere, 9-1-1 and other series. He is survived by his wife Wendy and son Robert.
Ronnie Schell, the veteran character actor who played Pvt. Duke Slater on Gomer Pyle: USMC, died at 94 from natural causes at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, confirmed by his family. Best known for his role on the Gomer Pyle spinoff, he left the show in season 4 to headline Good Morning World with Goldie Hawn, then returned for its final season. His career spanned numerous TV credits including The Patty Duke Show, Sanford & Son, Mork & Mindy, and The Love Boat, as well as films such as Gus and The Shaggy D.A., and he did voice work for animated features like Jetsons: The Movie and Smurfs.
A 44-year-old man, Michael Gledhill, Handy’s mother’s boyfriend, was charged with murder after actor James Handy was stabbed to death outside his Los Angeles home. Police say Gledhill told investigators he was the suspect and bail was set at $2 million. Handy, known for Jumanji and Top Gun: Maverick, died after being taken to a hospital.
Donald Gibb, the actor best known for playing Ogre in Revenge of the Nerds, has died at 71. Tributes highlight his memorable performance in the cult classic that helped define 1980s pop culture.
Beau Starr, the actor known for portraying Sheriff Ben Meeker in Halloween 4 and 5 and for portraying Henry Hill’s father in Goodfellas, has died at 81 in Vancouver, reportedly of natural causes. A former NFL/CFL player, Starr amassed TV and film credits across a decades-long career, with tributes circulating from colleagues including Christopher Serrone who remembered him as a life-filled person.
Mary Beth Hurt, a Tony-nominated actress known for Broadway roles and films by Paul Schrader, died at 79 in New Jersey after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2015; she was married to Schrader and leaves a son.
James Tolkan, known for his stern roles in Back to the Future and Top Gun, died at 94 in Lake Placid, New York. The cause of death wasn’t disclosed. A Navy veteran who served during the Korean War, Tolkan also had a long theater career in New York and was part of the original Glengarry Glen Ross ensemble. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Parmelee Welles.
James Tolkan, best known for his authoritarian roles as Mr. Strickland in Back to the Future and Tom Cruise’s commanding officer “Stinger” in Top Gun, died at 94 in Saranac Lake, New York. A five‑decade veteran of Broadway, film, and television, Tolkan studied acting in New York after Navy service and a stint in college, debuting onscreen in 1960’s Naked City and later appearing in Remington Steele, The Wonder Years, and more, before reprising his iconic roles in the Back to the Future sequels.
James Tolkan, the veteran character actor known for Top Gun and Back to the Future, died at 94 in Saranac Lake, New York, after a five-decade career in film and television that included Naked City and Bone Tomahawk; he is survived by his wife Parmelee.
Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall, renowned for The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, has died at 95, capping a seven-decade career with roughly 150 credits. Tributes from fellow stars and industry peers have poured in as the film world mourns a legendary and versatile performer.
Character actor Shelly Desai, known for It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Men of a Certain Age, has died at 90. His stepdaughter Dawn Lerman Vaccaro announced the death, praising his kindness and devotion to acting and charity; Desai, born in Mumbai, moved to the U.S. in the 1960s and built a career with more than 90 screen credits, including Thelma & Louise, Escape from L.A., and Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2.
Demond Wilson, best known as Lamont Sanford on NBC’s Sanford and Son, died at 79 after complications from cancer; he later became a minister and author, and is survived by his wife Cicely Wilson, six children and two grandchildren.
Demond Wilson, best known as Lamont Sanford on the NBC sitcom Sanford and Son, has died at age 79 at his Palm Springs home from cancer-related complications, his family and publicist confirmed. A Harlem-raised actor with a long stage and screen career, he served in the Army, authored a memoir about his Sanford years, and left a lasting mark on classic TV.
Roger Ewing, known for his role as Deputy Marshal Thad Greenwood on 'Gunsmoke' during the 1960s, has died at age 83. He appeared in 50 episodes and was remembered for his contributions to the classic Western series. Ewing also pursued photography and was active in local politics in Morro Bay, California.
Timothy Busfield, an Emmy-winning actor and director, has an arrest warrant issued in New Mexico on charges of child sex abuse involving two boys who were actors on a television set. He was not in custody as of the latest update.