Veteran actor Bo Hopkins passed away on May 28, at 80. He was one of the finest actors in Hollywood, known for his role in ‘American Graffiti’ Hopkin’s death was confirmed on the actors’ official website. The actor died at Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Van Nuys from a heart attack. Hopkins leaves behind his wife, Sian, and two sons Matthew and Jane.
The actor’s official website quotes “It is with great sadness that we announce that Bo has passed away. Bo loved hearing from his fans from around the world and although he was unable to respond to every email over the last few years, he appreciated hearing from each and every one of you”.
EARLY LIFE
The actor was born William Hopkins and adopted the nickname Bo after playing a character named Bo in his first off-Broadway piece, Bus Stop. The actor is known for his looks and charm in Hollywood.
Originally from Greenville, Billy Hopkins spent his youth years in several South Carolina mill towns before migrating to Hollywood in the late 1960s to pursue acting.
MORE ABOUT HIS FILMS
Hopkins had formerly served in the United States Army. He joined the Army forces at the age of sixteen. After this Hopkins made his feature film debut as ‘Crazy Lee’ in the famous 1969 western film “The Wild Bunch,” followed by a minor appearance as a bank robber in Sam Peckinpah’s ‘The Getaway’ (1972).
Hopkin’s other notable productions include ‘White Lightning’ (1973), ‘Posse’ (1975), ‘The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing’ (1973), and Midnight Express(1978).
He also appeared in many television shows like Judgment: The Court-Martial of Lieutenant William Calley (1975), The Runaway Barge (1975), The Invasion of Johnson County (1976), Dawn: Portrait of a Teenage Runaway (1976), Woman on the Run (1977), Thaddeus Rose and Eddie (1978), Crisis in Sun Valley (1978), and The Busters (1978).
He had another recurring part on The Rockford Files. He also featured in the first season of the original Dynasty by Aaron Spelling.
He has also featured on Charlies’ Angels, Fantasy Island, The A-Team, Hotel, Scarecrow and Mrs. King, The Fall Guy, Matlock, and Murder, She Wrote, Aspen, and Beggarman Thief. His most recent role was Papaw Vance opposite Glenn Close in the direct-to-streaming blockbuster Hillbilly Elegy in 2020.
The actor appeared in more than 100 films with a few awards for his exceptional acting.
The Index-Journal reports Hopkins has been hospitalized since May 9 after a heart attack. As per sources, Harley Funeral Home in Greenwood will manage the arrangements.
We are shocked and sad by his unexpected demise. His contribution to the world of cinema shall be cherished forever. Hopkins was one of the finest stars that Hollywood ever produced.
Source: Deadline.com, Indiatimes.com, and Wyff4.com
