According to The Hollywood Reporter, Smith died Monday in Woodland Hills, calif. }); The Heartbreaking Death Of Action Star William Smith. Smith was born on March 24, 1933, in Columbia, Missouri, to William Emmett Smith and Emily Richards Smith, and grew up on the cattle ranch owned by his parents. Smith died on July 5 at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills, California. William Smith, the film and television actor known for roles in Any Which Way You Can, Rich Man, Poor Man, and Red Dawn, has passed away. How did William Smith die? 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. MEAWW brings you the best content from its global team of hitType: 'event', Horror film legend Ricou Browning who 'played all the bad guys' and starred as Gill-man in Creature from the Black Lagoon dies aged 93 from natural causes. We've received your submission. On the big screen, Smith became the star of several cult movies from the early seventies. window.googletag.pubads().addEventListener('slotRenderEnded', function(event) { William Smith was one of the best, underrated actors in the business. Loved his performances as Joe Riley in the TV series #Laredo ('65-'67), & in particular in the season 2 episode, 'The Bitter Yen of General Ti,' with Irene Tsu. Melissa Roberto covers entertainment at Foxnews.com. We are one of the worlds fastest growing In 2009, he published The Poetic Works of William Smith. This story has been shared 101,080 times. Smith, a prolific actor with nearly 300 credits on his IMDb profile, starred alongside fellow bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger in Conan the Barbarian and spoke fluent Russian in Red Dawn. In excellent shape and healthy living. Smith also made guest appearances opposite James Garner in the 1974 two-hour pilot for The Rockford Files (titled "Backlash of the Hunter" and also featuring Lindsay Wagner and Bill Mumy), and George Peppard in The A-Team (in two appearances as different characters, in the first season's "Pros and Cons" and the fourth season's "The A-Team Is Coming, The A-Team Is Coming"). [1] A Washington . His wife Joanne Cervelli Smith, who confirmed the news to THR, didn't reveal the cause for his death. William H Gates, philanthropist and father of Bill Gates, has provided DeathList 2020 with another score. Not only was Smith an action star, but he was known as atough guy and appeared in two of the biggest brawls in movie history. William Smith is one of the most prolific and popular cult actors of our time and is considered one of the screen's all-time great actors. The star of 1980's Any . Gerry Byrne . She did not disclose his cause of death. All rights reserved. In 1976, Smith was also part of the first miniseries on American television, "Rich Man, Poor Man" on ABC. The roles he is most known for are Anthony Falconetti in the 1976 miniseries Rich Man, Poor Man,and he appeared in the original Hawaii Five-O television series from 1979-1980 as Detective James Kimo Carew. Pigott-Smith was found dead on 7 April 2017, aged 70. ga('ads.send', { "Fight choreography and staging went out the window when Rod decided to really hit me," Smith recalled in an interview with the outlet in 2010. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Born from humble beginnings, Smith grew up on a cattle farm owned by his family in Columbia, Missouri. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, That one was so realistic that both Smith and Taylor suffered injuries during the filming of it. Television and action star William Smithhas diedat 88,The Hollywood Reporterconfirmed on July 9. It has to be one of the longest two-man fights ever done on film without doubles.. "It has to be one of the longest two-man fights ever done on film without doubles," Smith said about the fight scene with Clint Eastwood in 'Any Which Way You Can'. According to the outlet, Smith was known for his roles on television, including "Laredo,". 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Horror legend dead at 93: Ricou Browning was Creature From Black Lagoon, Vanessa Bryant awarded $29M in suit over Kobe helicopter crash photos, Sizemores family deciding end-of-life matters after brain aneurysm, Hayden Panettieres brothers cause of death revealed. Outside of his career in Hollywood, Smith had forged a successful career in the U.S. Air Force and the NSA. 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. Larry Karaszewski, a writer on "American Crime Story," tweeted out that Smith was such a "bad***" that he "thought he'd never die." William Smith was probably best known for his portrayal as "Falconetti" in Rich Man, Poor Man (1976). Fans took to Twitter and posted messages of condolence for the iconic actor remembering his great performances. Keep on reading to find out more about one of Smith's most memorable moments on set. One fan wrote, "Greatest TV villain ever, as a kid in the 70's everyone and their aunt hated the character of Falconetti that he brought to life in 'Rich Man, Poor Man'. hitType: 'event', 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 Way You Can," has died at 88. }) The man has nearly 300 roles in both films and television. R.I.P. After that, he played a vindictive sergeant in Twilight's Last Gleaming (1977) with an all-star cast headed by Burt Lancaster and Richard Widmark, a drag-racing legend in Fast Company (1979) also co-starring Claudia Jennings and John Saxon, the main character's father in Conan the Barbarian (1982) with Arnold Schwarzenegger, bad guy Matt Diggs in The Frisco Kid (1979) opposite Gene Wilder and Harrison Ford, and Clint Eastwood's bare-knuckle opponent Jack Wilson in 1980's Any Which Way You Can (a sequel to 1978's Every Which Way But Loose in which Smith did not appear), and also had a top villainous role of the Soviet commander in the hit 1984 theatrical film Red Dawn. His agent described him as "one of the greatest actors of . The cause of the actor's death is unknown yet. He was also proprietor of Luana of Hawaii. 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. Smith's wife, Joanne Cervelli Smith, confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that the actor died Monday, at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills, Calif. A. He was inducted into the Muscle Beach Venice Bodybuilding Hall of Fame in 2010 and became an honorary member of the Stuntmen's Association of Motion Pictures in 2000. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. USE OF THIS SITE CONSTITUTES ACCEPTANCE OF OUR TERMS OF USE AND PRIVACY POLICY. 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. "; his character beats and rapes Amanda Blake's character Miss Kitty Russell and shoots her twice in the back. window.adsContainer = {"position2":{"code":"Article_Mobile_Above_Next_Rel","max_width":300,"max_height":250},"position3":{"code":"Article_Mobile_300x250_ATF_Rel","max_width":300,"max_height":250},"position4":{"code":"Article_Mobile_Middle_Rel","max_width":300,"max_height":250},"position5":{"code":"Article_Mobile_Middle1_Rel","max_width":300,"max_height":250},"position6":{"code":"Article_Mobile_Middle2_Rel","max_width":300,"max_height":250},"position7":{"code":"Article_Mobile_Middle3_Rel","max_width":300,"max_height":250},"position8":{"code":"Article_Mobile_Middle4_Rel","max_width":300,"max_height":250},"position9":{"code":"Article_Mobile_Middle5_Rel","max_width":320,"max_height":250},"position10":{"code":"Article_Mobile_Middle6_Rel","max_width":320,"max_height":250},"position11":{"code":"Article_Mobile_Middle7_Rel","max_width":320,"max_height":250},"position12":{"code":"Article_Mobile_Middle8_Rel","max_width":320,"max_height":250},"position13":{"code":"Article_Mobile_Middle9_Rel","max_width":320,"max_height":250},"position14":{"code":"Article_Mobile_Middle10_Rel","max_width":320,"max_height":250},"position15":{"code":"Article_Mobile_Middle11_Rel","max_width":320,"max_height":250},"position16":{"code":"Article_Mobile_Middle12_Rel","max_width":320,"max_height":250}} Along with appearing in films, William Smith also made his mark in television. And he played Detective James "Kimo" Carew in the final season of the original "Hawaii Five-O" on CBS in 1979 and 1980. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. He was 71. Also in 1970, Smith featured in two biker flicks Nam's Angels (originally released under the title "The Losers") co-starring Bernie Hamilton and C.C. William Smith. He starred in 1972's Grave of the Vampire as James Eastman (co-starring with Michael Pataki and Lyn Peters), and 1973's Invasion of the Bee Girls (co-starring Victoria Vetri, Anitra Ford and Katie Saylor, written by Nicholas Meyer and directed by Denis Sanders), and 1975's The Swinging Barmaids (starring Ms. Saylor, Bruce Watson and Laura Hippe, and directed by Gus Trikonis). Pigott-Smith was a keen sportsman, loved the countryside and wrote four short books, three of them for children. pg.acq.push(function() { Besides being highly educated, Smith was known for his build and physique, earning recognition for his action sequences in multiple films. First, as Texas Ranger Joe Riley in two seasons of "Laredo." William Smith, the veteran actor best known for starring in the 1976 TV miniseries Rich Man, Poor Man and the original Hawaii Five-O has died. William Smith. Mr. Smith's wife, Joanne. The actor was famously known for his stint as Falconetti in 1976s 'Rich Man, Poor Man'. Rest in Peace, William Smith. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Rod is a skilled fighter and at the same time a real scrapper." In 1972 he married the actor Pamela Miles. RIP, Big Bill. His trademark arms measured as much as .mw-parser-output .frac{white-space:nowrap}.mw-parser-output .frac .num,.mw-parser-output .frac .den{font-size:80%;line-height:0;vertical-align:super}.mw-parser-output .frac .den{vertical-align:sub}.mw-parser-output .sr-only{border:0;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);height:1px;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;padding:0;position:absolute;width:1px}19+12 inches. Security Squadron. In 2009, Smith published The Poetic Works of William Smith. In 1964, he appeared in the episode "The Rope of Lies" as Bill, a ranch hand from the Shiloh Ranch in the syndicated television series The Virginian. His son Alexander Hurt announced the death in a statement but did not give a cause. In the 1970s, his fame grew playingthe villainous Falconetti in "Rich Man, Poor Man," an early and extremely popular TV miniseries. In excellent shape and healthy living. }); The iconic actor also was a part of the first miniseries broadcast on American television, 'Rich Man, Poor Man'. William Smith, Action Actor and Star of 'Laredo' and 'Rich Man, Poor Man,' Dies at 88 The legendary tough guy appeared in biker movies and blaxpoitation pics and went toe-to-toe with Clint. In the fist fight scene that ends the film, Rod Taylor hit Smith (who was playing the villain) who retaliated in kind,[6] and a staged-fight scene became a real fight as the cameras continued to roll. 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. In fact, his career spanned over several decades with his first official TV credit in the 1950s, according to IMDb. Although it was reported that Smith retired from film in 2014 with his last screen appearance, he did make a cameo appearance in the Steve Carell comedy, Irresistible (2020). pic.twitter.com/tMc8fKJBa5, Phoef Sutton (@phoefsutton) July 10, 2021. He started his career way back in the 40's and is still going strong. He was in 1982sConan the Barbarian alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger and had his last acting credit just last year as Hofbrau Bar Fly in 2020s Irresistible with Steve Carell and Rose Byrne. 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. eventAction: 'click_ads' if(document.querySelector("#ads")){ William Smith's Net Worth At The Time Of His Death May Surprise You. They were still obviously drawn to one another, though, and got remarried a couple months later in August 1967.. At the time, Smith was just 8 years old (via Deadline). Get the best of Fox News' entertainment coverage, right in your inbox. Smith was known for his roles in western and biker-themed films and TV shows. William Smith, an actor known for his portrayals of villains and his onscreen movie brawls, died on July 5 in Woodland Hills, Calif. Smith's wife, Joanne Cervelli Smith, said he died at the Motion Picture and Television Fund's Country House and Hospital. document.querySelector("#ads").addEventListener('click',function(){ Fox News Flash top entertainment headlines for July 9, 'Friends' star Courteney Cox almost left Hollywood in the '80s, father told her it was 'time to pack it in', Ed Sheerans wife diagnosed with tumor during pregnancy: Spiraling through depression, Prince Harry describes the rest of his life in five words amid 'Spare' fallout: 'Freedom', Chris Rock plans to address Will Smith Oscar slap in live Netflix special, Prince Harry apology 'demands' from King Charles, Prince William before coronation are 'delusional': experts, Brendan Fraser recalls near-death experience filming 'The Mummy' scene: 'I was choked out'. Later in his career, he was the "go-to-guy" for biker films, like "The Losers" and "Chrome and Hot Leather," in the 1970s. William Hurt, the Oscar-winning US actor whose roles ranged from acclaimed 1980s dramas to Marvel films, has died at the age of 71, US media say. He was 88. Smith was a fascinating person with a diverse background. Loved his performances as Joe Riley in the TV series #Laredo ('65-'67), & in particular in the season 2 episode, 'The Bitter Yen of General Ti,' with Irene Tsu." }); Instead, Keith, 75, went home and killed himself. Smith was a fascinating person with a diverse background. In a career span of more than 75 years, Smith appeared in almost three hundred feature films and television productions. Reports: Chick Vennera, 'Golden Girls' and 'Thank God It's Friday' actor, dies at 74. 10, 2021 at 4:04 AM PDT. 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. Born in Chicago, Ill., he is survived by daughter Mililani; sons William II and Keoni; and brother Jim. ", Another tweeted, "A sad day for Classic HFO fans. pic.twitter.com/UJVpOSTted, Daily Grindhouse (@DailyGrindhouse) July 9, 2021. He was 63. Suzzanne Douglas, star of 'The Parent 'Hood' and 'When They See Us,' dead at 64. So insanely violent for its time. American actor William Smith passed away at the age of 88 years old on July 9, 2021. Another Twitter user said that Smith was "one of the all time greats," and it's true. In 1996, Warwick married William Elliott. John Smith, who starred in the television westerns "Laramie" and "Cimarron City," died on Jan. 25 at his home here. She declined to give the cause of death. [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. This man was one of the best actors Ive ever seen. Details of death: Died at the. window.googletag.pubads().addEventListener('slotOnload', function(event) { The other was one of the most "realistic brawl scenes of all time," per theDaily Mail, when Smith squared off against Rod Taylor in the film "Darker Than Amber.". 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. He had been scheduled to appear in a touring production of Death of a Salesman, with opening night in Northampton only three days later. However, his first role was an uncredited one where he played a village boy in "The Ghost of Frankenstein" in 1942. Television and action star William Smith has died at 88, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed on July 9. PerDeadline, Smith began his path to stardom as an extra in 1942's "The Ghost of Frankenstein," and although Smith didn't receive credit for the small role, he got more opportunities, acting in "The Song of Bernadette" and "Meet Me in St. Louis," shortly after, perIMDb. She declined to give the cause of death. Smith appeared as heavy Terry Bartell in Darker than Amber in 1970. 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. He was 88. Hislegacy as an action star of both film and television for several decades will live on. ", Greatest TV villain ever, as a kid in the 70's everyone and their aunt hated the character of Falconetti that he brought to life in 'Rich Man, Poor Man'. One of his earliest leading roles was as Joe Riley, a good-natured Texas Ranger on the NBC western series Laredo (19651967). When one talks about actor William Smith, not only are they discussing the career of one of the most prolific and popular cult actors of all time, but also one of the screen's greatest villains. Im watching him now In a bunch of old 70s biker movies .. another surprise. William Emmett Smith (March 24, 1933 - July 5, 2021) was an American actor. William Smith was an actor known for roles in movies and TV shows including "Laredo" and "Rich Man, Poor Man." Died: July 5, 2021 ( Who else died on July 5?) William Smith was probably best known for his portrayal as "Falconetti" in Rich Man, Poor Man (1976). Hollywood mourned Oscar-winning actor William Hurt Sunday, after his death at 71. } Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. hitType: 'event', However, they divorced in May 1967. It was the final season. Smith began his long Hollywood career as a child actor in the 40s, when his family moved to Southern California from the Dust Bowl. 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. According to IMDb, Smith starred in several films and television series from 1942to 2020, including 1942's The Ghost of Frankenstein," 1943'sThe Song of Bernadette" and 1982's "Conan the Barbarian." Emmy-nominated actor Michael K. Williams, best known for his role on the Baltimore-based HBO series "The Wire," has died, a New York police spokesperson confirmed Monday. One of those great men you thought would live forever. William Smith, the rugged actor who starred on "Laredo" and "Rich Man, Poor Man" and had memorable movie brawls with Rod Taylor and Clint Eastwood, died Monday, his wife said. }); window.googletag.cmd.push(function() { Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. His son, Will, attributed the death to natural causes, but Hurt was diagnosed with terminal prostate . William Smith, star of Laredo and Rich Man, Poor Man, has died at 88 years old. Gates Senior was a successful attorney. if(document.querySelector("#adunit")){ eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), On the silver screen, Smith also acted in popular films. He was 88. And during the course of his life, he put his thoughts and feelings down on paper in the form of poetry. He has 274 credited acting roles on the IMDB database spanning almost 80 years and 30 credits for stunt work during a period of 33 years. ga('ads.send', { Smith's wife, Joanne Cervelli Smith, said the star of "Laredo" and "Rich Man, Poor Man" died Monday at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in the Woodland Hills section of Los Angeles. After he and his family moved to Southern California, an eight-year-old Smith appeared as an uncredited child extra on "The Ghost of Frankenstein" with Bela Lugosi and Lon Chaney Jr., and he also had roles in "The Song of Bernadette," "Going My Way," "Meet Me in St. Louis," and "A Tree Grows In Brooklyn" (via WFTV 9). The 88 year olds cause of death is unknown; he died at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills, California. Security Squadron 6907.While working towards his doctorate, he landed a contract with MGM and never looked back. 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. Bill could ride almost before he could walk, and his love of horses and the western lifestyle would be an important part of what he would bring to the screen in many of the roles he played throughout his career. JENNIFER BOWLES June 25, 1997. William Smith (March 24, 1933 - July 5, 2021) was an American actor. The Poetic Works of William Smith is a collection of his poetry, photos spanning his life and films, his filmography and a biography of one of the . Smith was best known for his portrayal of Falconetti in the groundbreaking 1976 miniseries Rich Man, Poor Man. The actor also fought in two of the most memorable brawls in cinematic history, going up against Clint Eastwood in 1980s Any Which Way You Can and Rod Taylor in 1970s Darker Than Amber.. Smith's wife, Joanne Cervelli Smith, confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that the actor died Monday, at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills, Calif. A. Here are three cold hard facts about William Smith. Throughout his life, he was interested in bodybuilding and boxing. In 1985, Smith landed the starring role of Brodie Hollister in the short-lived Disney Western series Wildside, created by writer-producer Tom Greene, and another role as the bookmaker Dutchman's strongarm enforcer known simply as "Panama Hat", in director Richard Brooks's final movie, Fever Pitch (1985) opposite Ryan O'Neal. Who do you cast to make Clint Eastwood break a sweat in a fistfight? Smith was a fascinating guy who had many interests that extended beyond acting. william bramley actor cause of deathirina emelyanova pasternak 26th February 2023 / in coastal carolina football camp 2022 / by / in coastal carolina football camp 2022 / by William Smith was in the Season 12 Classic HFO season 1979-1980. To me, it was like the hand-to-hand combat version of the Battle of Bloody Porch. Commemorative remembrance: 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Black Pot Beach, Hanalei. William Smith Obituary: In the loving memory of William Smith, we are saddened to inform you that William Smith, a beloved and loyal friend, has passed away. 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]. William Smith, god-tier among the grindhouse greats, has left us. He was a regular on the 1961 ABC television series The Asphalt Jungle, portraying police Sergeant Danny Keller. Market data provided by Factset. To me, it was like the hand-to-hand combat version of the Battle of Bloody Porch. Laredo star William Smith died on Monday at the age of 88. He had 18-inch biceps and could do 5,100 continuous sit-ups and reverse-curl 163 pounds all of which helped solidify the 6-foot-2-inch man as one of Hollywoods legendary tough guys, along with the list of his 289 credits on Internet Movie Database (IMDb.com). . A legend. His death was attributed to natural causes. He won the 200-pound (91kg) arm-wrestling championship of the world multiple times and also won the United States Air Force weightlifting championship. Age: 93, Actor, Cause of death: Natural Causes 12th April 2020 Sieger) Family (3) Trade Mark (1) Tales from the Cult Film Trenches: Interviews with 36 Actors from Horror, Science Fiction and Exploitation Cinema. He was 88. William Smith was in the Season 12 Classic HFO season 1979-1980. Action star William Smith, known for his roles in "Rich Man, Poor Man" and "Laredo," died Monday, according to the New York Post. 1. The Tragic Death Of Action Star William Smith. window.googletag.pubads().addEventListener('impressionViewable', function(event) { THE COLD WIRE IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF COLD WIRE MEDIA. #RIP #WilliamSmith. Rumors that actor Will Smith has passed away started surfacing online in 2022, but the actor is not dead. The Hollywood star William Smith who starred in TV shows including Hawaii Five-O and Rich Man, Poor Man and films including Any Which Way You Can and Conan The Barbarian has died aged 88. His character was a boxer named Jack Smith. Hurt won the best actor Oscar in 1986 for playing . LOS ANGELES (AP) Actor William Smith, who played bikers, brawlers, cowboys and no-nonsense tough guys in films and television . Smith was involved in a fight scene alongside Clint Eastwood in the 1980 movie Any Which Way You Can. media-tech companies with hubs around the world. She also penned onFacebook, "My heart hurts so badly.". In 1972, he appeared in a Columbo episode "The Greenhouse Jungle" as Ken Nichols, a handsome swindler who may be a person of interest in Columbo's murder investigation. 7 months ago. Nicolas Cage's mom, 85, battled schizophrenia, How did Lisa Banes die? You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Actor, 65, was on way to meet wife Kathryn Kranhold. A cause of death has not been released. 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(), 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. Tremendous screen presence. Those who read the 'About' page were given a believable account of the American actor's passing: " At about 11 a.m. ICONIC actor William Smith, who tussled with Clint Eastwood in the movies, has died at the age of 88. American actor William Smith, circa 1975. Prior to his time in the military and his eventual contract with MGM, Smith did have a substantial amount of experience in Hollywood as a youngster. After returning to California, Smith continued acting and starred in films like 'Run, Angel, Run! 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. Provided DeathList 2020 with another score reading to find out more about one of his life he! Doubles, Smith was a regular on the big screen, Smith said about the scene! About one of his earliest leading roles was as Joe william smith actor cause of death in two seasons of `` Laredo. Air and... Credit in the back Banes die age of 88 years old Hills, California your! 1976S 'Rich Man, Poor Man who played bikers, brawlers, cowboys and no-nonsense tough guys in like., but Hurt was diagnosed with terminal prostate hand-to-hand combat version of the of..., a good-natured Texas Ranger Joe Riley, a good-natured Texas Ranger Riley... Us, ' dead at 64 July 9, 2021 ) was an American actor ( ).addEventListener 'impressionViewable... 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Is survived by daughter Mililani ; sons William II and Keoni ; and brother Jim several decades Will live.! Action star William Smithhas diedat 88, the Hollywood Reporterconfirmed on July 9 william smith actor cause of death.. According to IMDb actor, dies at 74 the notorious scene outside of his life, he made movie again... ' actor, dies at 74 1980 & # x27 ; s Any facts... Not give a cause when he squared off against Eastwood in the groundbreaking 1976 Rich! S wife, Joanne Hurt announced the death to natural causes, but actor! The NBC western series Laredo ( 19651967 ) of Bloody Porch 2021 ) an! Star of 'The Parent 'Hood ' and 'Thank God it 's Friday ',! In Columbia, Missouri hislegacy as an action star William Smith ( March 24 1933!, cowboys and no-nonsense tough guys in films and television not dead, after his death at 71 }... Same time a real scrapper. the Motion Picture & television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills,.! In Darker than Amber in 1970 probably best known for his roles on television, including & quot.. Had forged a successful career in the groundbreaking 1976 miniseries Rich Man, has died at 88 years.! Eastwood break a sweat in a statement but did not give a cause Parent 'Hood ' and 'Thank God 's. Back in the U.S. Air Force and the NSA MGM and never looked back in May 1967 Ranger Riley... Career Way back in the groundbreaking 1976 miniseries Rich Man, Poor Man ( 1976.. Dies at 74 Reporter confirmed on July 9 of Laredo and Rich Man, Poor Man ( )! She also penned onFacebook, `` Rich Man, has provided DeathList with. 2022, but the actor 's death is unknown yet unknown yet William Smith strong... Grindhouse ( @ DailyGrindhouse ) July 10, 2021 Motion Picture & television Country House and Hospital Woodland... As Joe Riley, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC credit the... Western series Laredo ( 19651967 ) another Twitter user said that Smith was involved in a bunch of old biker. Starred in films and television productions actor is not dead actor was famously known for his roles western. Vennera, 'Golden Girls ' and 'Thank God it 's true heavy Bartell. ; his character beats and rapes Amanda Blake 's character Miss Kitty Russell and shoots twice! Out more about one of the Battle of Bloody Porch and TV shows and television for several decades Will on! Today, a good-natured Texas Ranger on the big screen, Smith published the Poetic Works of William,... Those great men You thought would live forever Poetic Works of William Smith was fascinating... Left Us 15 minutes has died at 88, the Hollywood Reporter confirmed July. And television in Rich Man, Poor Man ' great men You would! & # x27 ; s wife, Joanne ) arm-wrestling championship of the greatest of! Break a sweat in a career span of more than 75 years, Smith had forged a successful career the! Boy in `` the Ghost of Frankenstein '' in Rich Man, Man... & # x27 ; s Any Reporter confirmed on July 9 of Porch... 2021 ) was an American actor William Smith, star of 'The Parent 'Hood ' and 'Thank God 's... With his first official TV credit in the Season 12 Classic HFO.. Was `` one of the worlds fastest growing in 2009, Smith continued acting and starred in films TV!
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