Bo Hopkins, a character actor, died aged 80 after appearing in George Lucas’ American Graffiti.
Hopkins died at Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Van Nuys after suffering a heart attack. Variety published the news that Hopkins died at Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Van Nuys following a heart attack.
‘It is with great sadness that we announce that Bo has passed away,’ reads a statement on the website. “Bo was passionate about hearing from fans around the world. Although he could not respond to all emails over the years, he still appreciated each one.
Hopkins had a distinguished career that spanned over five decades. Hopkins appeared in nearly 100 TV and movie roles. His fans loved Hopkins for his versatility and ability to portray both good and bad characters. He also enjoyed working with directors.
Some of his standout movie roles include a double-crossed bank robber in the 1972 classic, The Getaway, Clarence ‘Crazy’ Lee in 1969 film, The Wild Bunch and as a weapons expert in the 1975 film, The Killer Elite, by director Sam Peckinpah.
He appeared with former American Graffiti stars in Hillbilly Elegy (directed by Ron Howard) in 2020.
Sian Eleanor Green (his wife of 29 years) and Matthew, their son are the survivors.
Bo Hopkins, a character actor who played the role of Bo Hopkins in George Lucas’ American Graffiti, and Oscar-winning Midnight Express has passed away at age 80.
Hopkins portrays Joe in American Graffiti, a 1973 film.
Hopkins appears in Dynasty, 1980s series
The handsome actor whose formal name was William Mauldin Hopkins was born February 2, 1938 in Greenville, South Carolina.
Hopkins was nine months old when he was adopted by a couple who were unable to conceive. He was adopted by his adoptive mother and father, who worked in the local mill. Hopkins’ father passed away in a heart attack when he was nine. Hopkins was only 38 years old.
While standing with his mother on the family porch, he saw his father die.
Following the death of her father, Hopkins’ mother got remarried. Hopkins was said to have struggled with his stepfather and ran away several times from his home before he was sent to live with grandparents.
He learned that his birth mother was also there. He met his birth mom and his half-siblings at the tender age of 12. They lived in Lockhart in South Carolina, which is a small town near a mill.
Hopkins had experienced some difficult times growing up and he quit school to join the United States Army aged 17.
He was sent to Korea with the 101st Airborne Division, where he served nine months.
He married Norma, a young girl after completing his military service. They had a son named Jane.
Hopkins was attracted to acting in this time. However, his wife disapproved and she went on her own, taking with them their baby girl.
Hopkins started his career acting in some local plays and then moved to Kentucky to study at the Pioneer Playhouse after he received a scholarship, and eventually made his way to New York City.
New York: He appeared in Bus Stop off-Broadway. This was also where he learned the story that led to his birth name, Bo Hopkins.
The beloved star said that when producers wanted to change his name, he chose Bo Hopkins. This was the name of his character, and it became his stage name for the rest of his career.
Bo Hopkins (pictured at left) appears in The Rockford Files, a 1979 TV series.
He spent his time in New York and he eventually moved to Hollywood, where he attended the Desilu-Cahuenga Studios acting school. The Actors Studio was next.
In addition to his work in film, Hopkins’ TV credits include some all-time classics including, The Rockford Files, Charlie’s Angels , The A-Team, Hotel and Dynasty, according to The Hollywood Reporter.