Acclaimed and prolific character actor Philip Baker Hall, known for countless supporting turns across five decades of film and television, has died at the age of 90.
Hall didn’t start acting on screen until the age of 39, and found his biggest success in his 60s and 70s as he routinely popped up as figures of authority – senators, network bosses, police officers of various ranks, priests, etc. and often commanded the screen with that signature voice of his.
To some, he was Paul Thomas Anderson’s good luck charm in the filmmaker’s earliest efforts with key roles in his “Hard Eight,” “Boogie Nights” and “Magnolia”. To others, he was the greatest “Seinfeld” one-off character as library detective Lt. Bookman.
To most though he was ‘that guy’ who either brought reason, fury or emotion to key scenes in many movies. His film credits are incredible and include “Coma,” “Zabriskie Point,” “Say Anything,” “Midnight Run,” “Ghostbusters II,” “Live Wire,” “Kiss of Death,’ “The Rock,” “Air Force One,” “The Truman Show,” “Enemy of the State,” “The Insider,” “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” “Rules of Engagement,” “The Contender,” “The Sum of All Fears,” “Bruce Almighty,” “The Matador,” “Zodiac,” “50/50,” “Argo,” the “Rush Hour” trilogy, and the remakes of “Psycho” and “The Amityville Horror” among may others.
His TV credits were just as long including “Mash,” “Good times,” “Cagney & Lacey,” “Quincy, M.E.,” “T.J. Hooker,” “Miami Vice,” “Family Ties,” “Falcon Crest,” “Matlock,” “Murder She Wrote,” “L.A. Law,” “Cheers,” “MANTIS,” “Roswell,” “Chicago Hope,” “3rd Rock from the Sun,” “Path to War,” “Without a Trace,” “Everwood,” “Monk,” “Boston Legal,” “The West Wing,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “The Loop,” “Psych,” “The Newsroom,” “Children’s Hospital,” Rake,” “BoJack Horseman” and more.
Hall’s friend and neighbour, and Los Angeles Times sportswriter, Sam Farmer announced the news saying Hall died peacefully surrounded by loved ones.
My neighbor, friend, and one of the wisest, most talented and kindest people I’ve ever met, Philip Baker Hall, died peacefully last night. He was surrounded by loved ones. The world has an empty space in it. pic.twitter.com/pBCaILjHPT
— Sam Farmer (@LATimesfarmer) June 13, 2022
Source: Deadline
