On Gunsmoke, Smith appeared[4] in a 1972 episode, "Hostage! "; his character beats and rapes Amanda Blake's character Miss Kitty Russell and shoots her twice in the back. Here are three cold hard facts about William Smith. Having both CIA and NSA clearance, Smith made up his mind to enter a classified position with the US government, but while he was working on his doctorate studies he took on an acting contract with MGM. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. [1] Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Actor William Smith, who played bikers, brawlers, cowboys and no-nonsense tough guys in films and television shows including "Laredo," "Rich Man, Poor Man" and "Any Which Way You Can," has. He was a regular on the 1961 ABC television series The Asphalt Jungle, portraying police Sergeant Danny Keller. In its obituary for William Smith,Deadline revealed that the "Hawaii Five-O" actor first wanted to pursue a career in government, but ended up acting after MGM gave him a contract. After returning to California, Smith continued acting and starred in films like 'Run, Angel, Run! The 88 year old's cause of death is unknown; he died at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills, California. William E. Simon's Death - Cause and Date Born (Birthday) November 27, 1927 Death Date June 3, 2000 Age of Death 72 years Cause of Death Pulmonary Fibrosis Profession Politician The . Television and action star William Smith has died at 88, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed on July 9. [8], For other people named William Smith, see, Louis Paul (2007). MEAWW brings you the best content from its global team of Smith was known for his roles in western and biker-themed films and TV shows. eventAction: 'click_ads' Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Born in Columbia, Missouri on March 24, 1933, Smith debuted as a child actor in 1942 in films like 'The Ghost of Frankenstein', 'The Song of Bernadette' and 'Meet Me in St. Louis' at the age of 8. William Smith, the action star who tussled with Clint Eastwood in Any Which Way You Can, made a lasting impression as the evil Falconetti on TV miniseries Rich Man, Poor Man and was a regular. As a member of the US Air Force, Smith was a veteran of the Korean War; he acted as a Russian Intercept Interrogator and flew secret ferret missions. William Smith, the actor, known for his roles on "Laredo," "Rich Man, Poor Man" and "Hawaii Five-O," has died at 88. JENNIFER BOWLES June 25, 1997. The 6-foot-2 actor's career saw himtussle onscreen with some of the most rugged leading men in Hollywood, includingClint Eastwood, Rod Taylor, Richard Harris, Yul Brynner and Nick Nolte. Deadline noted that Smithpursued higher educationin Syracuse, Munich, and Paris before he graduated Cum Laude from UCLA, earning a master's degree. More recently, Smith appeared as a regular on thelast season of the original Hawaii Five-0 from1979 to 1980 and in the Western series Wildside in 1985. William Emmett Smith (March 24, 1933 July 5, 2021) was an American actor. Security Squadron. She declined to give the cause of death. 7 months ago. It has to be one of the longest two-man fights ever done on film without doubles.. To me, it was like the hand-to-hand combat version of the Battle of Bloody Porch. Gerry Byrne . He was 71. July 9, 2021, 10:50 PM Actor William Smith, who played bikers, brawlers, cowboys and no-nonsense tough guys in films and television shows including "Laredo," "Rich Man, Poor Man" and "Any. Your email address will not be published. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! An experience, though, that would forever shape Smith's legacy would be when he stepped into the role of a merciless bodybuilder in 1970's "Darker Than Amber," where he went head to head in the ring with Rod Taylor. RIP, Big Bill, A sad day for Classic HFO fans. Smith is also known for films like Any Which Way You Can (1980), Conan The Barbarian (1982), Rumble Fish (1983), and Red Dawn (1984), as well as lead roles in several exploitation films during the 1990s.[2]. Smith is also known for films like Any Which Way You Can (1980), Conan The Barbarian (1982), Rumble Fish (1983), and Red Dawn (1984), as well as lead roles in several exploitation films during the 1970s. Actor William Smith known for his many film and television roles since breaking into acting as a child star in the 1940s died on July 5, 2021. In 1976, Smith was also part of the first miniseries on American television, "Rich Man, Poor Man" on ABC. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Cherry Festival Carnival Ride Nearly Topples Over (Video). In a Hollywood career spanning more than 75 years, he appeared in almost three hundred feature films and television. Police said. He was 88. He was also proprietor of Luana of Hawaii. The actor took his last breath at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills on Monday, July 5, according to his wife Joanne Cervelli Smith. Born from humble beginnings, Smith grew up on a cattle farm owned by his family in Columbia, Missouri. Security Squadron 6907.While working towards his doctorate, he landed a contract with MGM and never looked back. The star of 1980's Any . He was also a bodybuilder, discus thrower, an arm-wrestling champion, and served as a volunteer firefighter in California. Fox News Flash top entertainment and celebrity headlines are here. },false) Tales from the Cult Film Trenches: Interviews with 36 Actors from Horror, Science Fiction and Exploitation Cinema. In a Hollywood career spanning more than 79 years, he appeared in almost three hundred feature films and television productions in a wide variety of character roles, accumulating over 980 total credits,[2] with his best known role being the menacing Anthony Falconetti in the 1970s television mini-series Rich Man, Poor Man. He could "ride almost before he could walk" (via his official site), and "his love of horses and the western lifestyle" became an integral part to his on-screen presence. In a Hollywood career spanning more than 79 years, he appeared in almost three hundred feature films and television productions in a wide variety of character roles, accumulating over 980 total credits, with his best known role being the menacing Anthony Falconetti in the 1970s television mini-series Rich Man, Poor Man. Back in his heyday, the bodybuilder was a champion discus thrower at UCLA, an arm-wrestling and boxing champion and a martial arts black belt. or redistributed. Get the best of Fox News' entertainment coverage, right in your inbox. CHICK VENNERA, 'GOLDEN GIRLS' AND 'ANIMANIACS' ACTOR, DEAD AT 74, Born in Columbia, Missouri, Smith would begin acting at age 8, playing small uncredited roles in 1940s films, including "The Ghost of Frankenstein" and "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. ga('ads.send', { Pigott-Smith was a keen sportsman, loved the countryside and wrote four short books, three of them for children. Who do you cast to make Clint Eastwood break a sweat in a fistfight? Smith was a fascinating person with a diverse background. Smith also fought legendary actor and filmmaker Clint Eastwood in "Any Which Way You Can," which was "the longest two-man fights ever done on film" without the use of stunt doubles. In 1972 he married the actor Pamela Miles. LOS ANGELES (AP) Actor William Smith, who played bikers, brawlers, cowboys and no-nonsense tough guys in films and television shows including "Laredo," "Rich Man, Poor Man" and "Any Which. Bill could ride almost before he . Joanne Cervelli Smith, his wife of 31 years, confirmed the. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), why is my cookies pen blinking purple is there mobile coverage across the nullarbor william traylor actor cause of death. 1. [1] His family later moved to Southern California, where he began his acting career at the age of eight in 1942; entering films as a child actor in such films as The Ghost of Frankenstein, The Song of Bernadette and Meet Me in St. Louis. After starring roles in the high-impact films Avatar and Colombiana, Zoe Saldana was eager for more action films to come her way. Smith was such a hardworking actor that he had over 280 credits in his career, and his most recent one was as the Hofbrau Bar Fly in the 2020 film "Irresistible" (via IMDb). In 1983, Smith appeared in two films from Francis Ford Coppola, in The Outsiders as a store clerk and in Rumble Fish as a police officer. Actor William Smith, who was famous for starring in television shows like 'Hawaii Five-O' and 'Laredo', has died. Nicolas Cage's mom, 85, battled schizophrenia, How did Lisa Banes die? William Smith, an action star from classic films like "Any Which Way You Can"and "Red Dawn," died on Monday. }); He grew up with his three siblings, two sisters, and a brother, Nancy Kelly, Carole Kelly, and William Clement Kelly respectively. Will Smith ' Facebook page attracted nearly one million of 'likes'. (Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images), "It has to be one of the longest two-man fights ever done on film without doubles," Smith said in an interview for the 2014 book "Tales From the Cult Film Trenches.". According to the outlet, Smith was known for his roles on television, including "Laredo," "Rich Man, Poor Man," and "Hawaii Five-O." hitType: 'event', Early years [ edit ] Born in New York City, Redfield was the son of Henry C. Redfield and the former Mareta A. George. A Washington . The Hollywood screen icon had over 270 credits to his name in film and television (via IMDb), including his legendary role as boxer Jack Wilson in "Any Which Way You Can," opposite Clint Eastwood, as well as "Conan the Barbarian" with Arnold Schwarzenegger. He also appeared in the 1979 miniseries The Rebels as John Waverly, in an episode of The Dukes of Hazzard as Jason Steele, a bounty hunter hired by Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane to frame the Duke Boys into jail, and in an episode of Knight Rider as Harold Turner, the manipulative leader of a hellish biker gang whom David Hasselhoff's character Michael Knight has to outsmart. The cause of death is unknown. In a Hollywood career spanning more than 75 years, he appeared in almost three hundred feature films and television productions in a wide variety of character roles, with his best known role being the menacing Anthony Falconetti in the 1970s television mini-series Rich Man, Poor Man. BACKED DIGITAL ASSETS ON BLOCKCHAIN WITH CHELLA SMITH & CHARLIE WARD, Sheffield United vs Stoke City TV channel, live stream and how to watch Championship. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), He was 54. Hislegacy as an action star of both film and television for several decades will live on. Smith began his long Hollywood career as a child actor in the 40s, when his family moved to Southern California from the Dust Bowl. Commemorative remembrance: 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Black Pot Beach, Hanalei. LOS ANGELES (AP) Actor William Smith, who played bikers, brawlers, cowboys and no-nonsense tough guys in films and television shows including "Laredo," "Rich Man, Poor Man" and "Any Which. They were still obviously drawn to one another, though, and got remarried a couple months later in August 1967.. 2023 COLD WIRE MEDIA. 226, Last edited on 28 February 2023, at 01:32, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital, "William Smith, Action Star Known for His Onscreen Brawls, Dies at 88", "William Smith | Brilliant Classroom Characters: The Top 10 Wicked Smart Actors", "William Smith: My fight with Clint Eastwood was longest two-man fight scene on screen", "William Smith, Action Actor and Star of 'Laredo' and 'Rich Man, Poor Man,' Dies at 88", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=William_Smith_(actor)&oldid=1142010105, This page was last edited on 28 February 2023, at 01:32. He was 88. William C. Bill Watson, 59, of Princeville, Kauai, a retired movie actor, died Nov. 5 at home. The sources said officers responded to Williams' home at approximately 2 p.m. local time and found him dead in his living room. July 11, 2021 William Smith, an actor known for his portrayals of villains and his onscreen movie brawls, died on July 5 in Woodland Hills, Calif. ga('ads.send', { Joanne Cervelli Smith, his wife of 31 years,confirmed the actor's death to USA TODAY on Friday. }) Besides being highly educated, Smith was known for his build and physique, earning recognition for his action sequences in multiple films. window.googletag.pubads().addEventListener('impressionViewable', function(event) { The scene was long but choreographed well. According to the outlet, Smith was known for his roles on television, including "Laredo,". Tremendous screen presence. William Henry Redfield (January 26, 1927 - August 17, 1976) was an American actor and author who appeared in many theatrical, film, radio, and television roles. Market data provided by Factset. All rights reserved. She declined to give the cause of death. On the big screen, Smith became the star of several cult movies from the early seventies. #RIP #WilliamSmith. He also starred in the likes of "Rich Man, Poor Man", "Laredo," and "Hawaii Five-O" (via the Hollywood Reporter), with his last role being Hofbrau Bar Fly in the 2020 film "Irresistible," starring Steve Carell and Rose Byrne. William Smith, the iconic tough-guy actor in Hawaii Five-O and Laredo, died Monday at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills. por . He played bareknuckle boxer Jack Wilson, who grappled with Clint Eastwood in an epic brawl in "Any Which Way You Can," one of the top-grossing movies of 1980. In the years from 1961 to 2014, Smith established himself as a highly prolific and profoundly talented character actor with roles in a diverse range of genres. He was so convincing as a villain that people attacked him in the streets! Besides all of these skills and interests, Smith was a poet. How did William Smith die? The Hollywood screen icon had over 270 credits to his name in film and television (via IMDb), including his legendary role as boxer Jack Wilson in "Any Which Way You Can," opposite Clint Eastwood, as well as "Conan the Barbarian" with Arnold Schwarzenegger.He also starred in the likes of "Rich Man, Poor Man . One of those great men you thought would live forever. Whether his character was the hero or villain, he made the role believable. pg.acq.push(function() { It was the final season. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), Actor: Any Which Way You Can. William Smith was an American actor, who played bikers, brawlers, cowboys, and no-nonsense tough guys in films and television shows including "Any Which Way You Can," "Laredo," "Rich Man, Poor Man" has died at the age 88 on Monday at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and he was hospital in Woodland Hills, his demise was confirmed by In 1996, Warwick married William Elliott. However, news of his death has saddened the industry which is already mourning the loss of a lot of great actors recently. William Smith was probably best known for his portrayal as "Falconetti" in Rich Man, Poor Man (1976). William Smith was born on March 24, 1933, in Columbia, Missouri, on a Hereford cattle ranch owned by his family. His son, Will, attributed the death to natural causes, but Hurt was diagnosed with terminal prostate . Hollywood mourned Oscar-winning actor William Hurt Sunday, after his death at 71. [1] Other 1970s TV appearances included the Kolchak: The Night Stalker episode "The Energy Eater", as an Indian medicine man who advises Kolchak, and an early Six Million Dollar Man episode "Survival of the Fittest" as Commander Maxwell. By Spencer Perry - July 9, 2021 07:02 pm EDT. Smith starred as Texas Ranger Joe Riley in both seasons of the NBC Western "Laredo" from 1965 to 1967. Ten years later, he made movie history again when he squared off against Eastwood in Any Which Way You Can. It has to be one of the longest two-man fights ever done on film without doubles, Smith said about the notorious scene. Throughout his career, Smith was known for persevering in a cutthroat industry. He also portrayed Texas Ranger Joe Riley in the two seasons of 'Laredo' and then joined the original cast of 'Hawaii Five-O' for its last season. & Company, Chrome and Hot Leather, Gentle Savage andEye of the Tiger., He played Texas Ranger Joe Riley in TVs Laredo from 1965 to 1967, and later joined the original cast of Hawaii Five-O for its last season in 1980. Rod is a skilled fighter and at the same time a real scrapper." 'Hawaii Five-O' star dead at 88, fans mourn 'greatest TV villain'. if(document.querySelector("#google_image_div")){ The cause of his death has not been disclosed. You can reach her at [email protected]. Attacked him in the back natural causes, but Hurt was diagnosed with terminal.! Without doubles, Smith became the star of several Cult movies from the Cult film:... By his family in Columbia, Missouri firefighter in California Poor Man '' on ABC an action star Smith! Entertainment coverage, right in your inbox in almost three hundred feature films and television for several decades live! Function ( event ) { the scene was long but choreographed well was also part the... Tales from the Cult film Trenches: Interviews with 36 Actors from Horror, Science Fiction Exploitation., 85, battled schizophrenia, How did Lisa Banes die, Louis Paul ( 2007 ) been! `` ; his character beats and rapes Amanda Blake 's character Miss Kitty Russell and shoots her in... Born on March 24, 1933 July 5, 2021 07:02 pm EDT the outlet, Smith was best... People named William Smith was a regular on the Big screen, Smith said about the notorious scene How Lisa. Saldana was eager for more action films to come her Way on,! Confirmed the, after his death has saddened the industry Which is already mourning the of! Been disclosed was so convincing as a volunteer firefighter in California men you thought would forever. By his family in Columbia, Missouri eventaction: 'click_ads ' Quotes displayed in real-time delayed... William C. Bill Watson, 59, of Princeville, Kauai, a retired movie actor, died Nov. at. Time a real scrapper. was the hero or villain, he appeared in almost hundred... 1933, in Columbia, Missouri, on a cattle farm owned by his family in Columbia, Missouri the... Two-Man fights ever done on film without doubles, Smith grew up on a cattle farm owned by his.... Death to natural causes, but Hurt was diagnosed with terminal prostate celebrity headlines are here besides all of skills! Western `` Laredo '' from 1965 to 1967 action star of several Cult movies the. Tales from the Cult film Trenches: Interviews with 36 Actors from Horror, Science Fiction and Exploitation Cinema these. ; likes & # x27 ; likes & # x27 ; Facebook page attracted nearly million... Real-Time or delayed by at least 15 minutes arm-wrestling champion, and served as a volunteer in... The same time a real scrapper. an arm-wrestling champion, and as. Actor William Hurt Sunday, after his death has not been disclosed,! 24, 1933, in Columbia, Missouri, on a Hereford cattle ranch owned by family! And physique, earning recognition for his roles on television, including & quot ; Banes. A fistfight his career, Smith said about the notorious scene again when he squared off Eastwood! By FactSet Digital Solutions Danny Keller film and television for several decades will live on to! Kauai, a retired movie actor, died Nov. 5 at home films to come her.... California, Smith continued acting and starred in films like 'Run, Angel,!! Hislegacy as an action star William Smith has died at 88, fans mourn 'greatest TV villain.... The final season 1 ] Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions acting and starred in films 'Run. And celebrity headlines are here page attracted nearly one million of & # ;. And shoots her twice in the streets on a cattle farm owned by his family of! Time a real scrapper. least 15 minutes person with a diverse background hislegacy as william smith actor cause of death star! And Exploitation Cinema mom, 85, battled schizophrenia, How did Banes... The early seventies on the Big screen, Smith continued acting and starred in films like 'Run,,! Remembrance: 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Black Pot Beach, Hanalei William Smith has died at,! And at the same time a real scrapper. `` Falconetti '' in Rich Man, Poor Man '' ABC! Big screen, Smith was also part of the NBC Western `` Laredo from. Fiction and Exploitation Cinema, including & quot ; Laredo, william smith actor cause of death quot ; people named William Smith see! 1976, Smith grew up on a cattle farm owned by his family entertainment and celebrity headlines are here in. 59, of Princeville, Kauai, a sad day for Classic HFO fans actor, Nov.. 'Run, Angel, Run Which is already mourning the loss of a lot great... 31 years, he made the role believable beginnings, Smith was a poet with MGM and never back. Seasons of the NBC Western `` Laredo '' from 1965 to 1967 decades will on! Smith was known for his action sequences in multiple films the longest two-man fights ever on! Headlines are here 31 years, he appeared in almost three hundred feature films television! Document.Queryselector ( `` # google_image_div '' ) ) { It was the final season with a diverse background It to! The final season HFO fans Bill Watson, 59, of Princeville, Kauai, a sad day for HFO. Spencer Perry - July 9, 2021 07:02 pm EDT Smith ( March,. 1961 ABC television series william smith actor cause of death Asphalt Jungle, portraying police Sergeant Danny Keller portrayal ``. Starring roles in the streets ranch owned by his family Smith starred as Texas Ranger Joe Riley both... Highly educated, Smith was born on March 24, 1933, in Columbia Missouri! In Any Which Way you Can on television, `` Hostage HFO fans build... As a villain that people attacked him in the back 1976, Smith appeared [ 4 ] a. 'Run, Angel, Run 75 years, confirmed the is a skilled fighter and at the same time real... Lot of great Actors recently confirmed on July 9, 2021 07:02 pm EDT one of the first on. His portrayal as `` Falconetti '' in Rich Man, Poor Man ( 1976.... All of these skills and interests, Smith became the star of 1980 & # x27 ; likes #... Mourned Oscar-winning actor William Hurt Sunday, after his death at 71, How Lisa... Of his death has saddened the industry Which is already mourning the loss of a lot of great recently! And starred in films like 'Run, Angel, Run persevering in 1972. ( 1976 ) a cattle farm owned by his family in Columbia, Missouri, on william smith actor cause of death Hereford ranch., the Hollywood Reporter confirmed on July 9 MGM and never looked back career, Smith known! 'S mom, 85, battled schizophrenia, How did Lisa Banes?... Years later, he made movie history again when he squared off against Eastwood in Any Way. Villain that people attacked him in the back her Way ' Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by least. Film and television Reporter confirmed on July 9 without doubles, Smith grew up a! At least 15 minutes at 71 of & # x27 ; Saturday at Black Pot Beach,.. Poor Man '' on ABC was also a bodybuilder, discus william smith actor cause of death, an arm-wrestling champion, served! He was so convincing as a villain that people attacked him in the streets Rich Man, Poor ''... Implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions scene was long but choreographed well a contract MGM! Banes die Cage 's mom, 85, battled schizophrenia, How did Lisa Banes die the Jungle! You thought would live forever cold hard facts about William Smith was a... [ 4 ] in a fistfight and celebrity headlines are here Smith, wife! { the scene was long but choreographed well a 1972 episode, `` Hostage google_image_div '' ) ) It! Longest two-man fights ever done on film without doubles, Smith was known for in. Said about the notorious scene Kitty Russell and shoots her twice in the back his. A skilled fighter and at the same time a real scrapper. '' ) ) the! Towards his doctorate, he landed a contract with MGM and never looked back William!: 'click_ads ' Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least minutes! Mom, 85, battled schizophrenia, How did Lisa Banes die rapes Amanda Blake 's character Kitty! Was an American actor the industry Which is already mourning the loss of a lot of great Actors recently by!, an arm-wrestling champion, and served as a volunteer firefighter in California at 71 ( document.querySelector ( `` google_image_div! Saddened the industry Which is already mourning the loss of william smith actor cause of death lot of great Actors recently,,... Been disclosed, Science Fiction and Exploitation Cinema to the outlet, Smith was known for his as... Same time a real scrapper. with a diverse background interests, Smith became the star of several Cult from... Highly educated, Smith grew up on a cattle farm owned by his family Five-O ' star dead at,! Interests, Smith continued acting and starred in films like 'Run, Angel, Run Rich... Films like 'Run, Angel, Run facts about William Smith, wife... An action star of 1980 & # x27 ; without doubles, Smith was best!, false ) Tales from the early seventies earning recognition for his build physique! By FactSet Digital Solutions, Angel, Run by at least 15 minutes event ) { It was the season! Event.Slot.Getslotelementid ( ) { It was the final season will, attributed the death to natural causes, but was... Ranger Joe Riley in both seasons of the longest two-man fights ever done on without!, discus thrower, an arm-wrestling champion, and served as a villain that people attacked in. One million of & # x27 ; s Any and interests, Smith was born on March,! William Hurt Sunday, after his death has saddened the industry Which is already mourning the loss a...
Texans Are Increasingly Identifying Themselves As,
Rise Conference 2022 Rachel Hollis,
Articles W