william smith actor cause of death

In 1970, he portrayed a sadistic bodybuilder inDarker Than Amber, and performed what is considered to be one of the most realistic on-screen fights, with Taylor famously breaking three of his ribs and getting his nose busted. Larry Karaszewski, a writer on "American Crime Story," tweeted out that Smith was such a "bad***" that he "thought he'd never die." His wife,. William Smith (March 24, 1933 - July 5, 2021) was an American actor. He was reportedly also fluent in French, German and Serbo-Croatian.[3]. 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 . Returning to California, Smith continued working steadily throughout the 60s and 70s, becoming an obvious choice when casting cult hit biker films such as Run, Angel, Run!, The Losers, Angels Die Hard, C.C. 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. hitType: 'event', After returning to California, Smith continued acting and starred in films like 'Run, Angel, Run! In addition to wife Joanne, Smith leaves behind a daughter, Sherri, and a son,William III. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), 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. pic.twitter.com/UJVpOSTted, Daily Grindhouse (@DailyGrindhouse) July 9, 2021. He was 88. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. One of his earliest leading roles was as Joe Riley, a good-natured Texas Ranger on the NBC western series Laredo (19651967). 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). }); GLEE STAR HEATHER MORRIS HONORS NAYA RIVERA WITH TRIBUTE TATTOO: TOMORROW IS NOT PROMISED, American actor William Smith, circa 1975. hitType: 'event', Outside of his career in Hollywood, Smith had forged a successful career in the U.S. Air Force and the NSA. ", Another tweeted, "Rest in Peace, William Smith. You can reach her at Melissa.Roberto@fox.com. 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. American actor William Smith passed away at the age of 88 years old on July 9, 2021. [1] Smith later reported that Taylor was "a very tough guy" who broke three of his ribs while he broke Taylor's nose.[7]. Fans React To Chick-Fil-A Being Voted America's Favorite Restaurant, Spectrum Removes NFL Network From TV Packages For Authorized Incorrectly, Maria Andrejczyk Auctions Tokyo Olympic Medal For Charity, Bill Cosby To Invoke Fifth Amendment In Civil Case, Pat Hitchcock: Alfred Hitchcock's Daughter Dies (3 Things To Know), Alex Cord: Airwolf Star Dies At 88 (3 Things To Know), Markie Post: Night Court Actress Dies At 70 (3 Things To Know), Albert Dyrlund: Danish YouTuber Dies At 22 (Story), Chick Vennera: Veteran Actor Dies At 74 (3 Things To Know), Caitlyn Loane: TikTok Star Dies At 19 (Full Story), Matima Miller: TikTok Star Dies At 19 (Full Story), Stuart Damon: Soap Opera Actor Dies At 84 (3 Things To Know), Clarence Williams III: Actor Dies At 81 (3 Things To Know), Kentaro Miura: 'Berzerk' Manga Creator Dies At 54, Paul Mooney: Actor And Comedian Dies At 79 (3 Things To Know), Charles Grodin: Beloved Actor Dies At 86 (3 Things To Know), Norman Lloyd: Actor Dies At 106 (3 Things To Know), Lloyd Price: Music Pioneer Dead At 88 (3 Things To Know), Sunday Burquest: 'Survivor' Star Dies At 50 (3 Things To Know), Nikki Grahame Of Big Brother UK Dies At 38 (3 Things To Know), Andy Haman: Bodybuilder Dies At 54 (3 Things To Know), Yaphet Kotto: James Bond Villain Actor Dies At 81. In a Hollywood career spanning more than 75 years, he appeared in almost three hundred feature films and television. 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. window.googletag.cmd.push(function() { With his chiseled, mustachioed face and bulging biceps, Mr. Smith was a constant, rugged presence on screen in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, amassing nearly . William Smith, god-tier among the grindhouse greats, has left us. [1] The Heartbreaking Death Of Action Star William Smith. One fan commented, "I'll never forget that fearsome brawl between Rod Taylor and William Smith in Darker than Amber. 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. hitType: 'event', William Smith was born on March 24, 1933, in Columbia, Missouri, on a Hereford cattle ranch owned by his family. At the time, Smith was just 8 years old (via Deadline). window.googletag.pubads().addEventListener('slotRenderEnded', function(event) { eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), Smith starred as Texas Ranger Joe Riley in both seasons of the NBC Western "Laredo" from 1965 to 1967. Sieger) Family (3) Trade Mark (1) 0:00. 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 . Whether his character was the hero or villain, he made the role believable. MALIBU, Calif. (AP) _ Brian Keith, the burly actor best known as Uncle Bill on the TV sitcom ``Family Affair, did not want to wait in a hospital for cancer to take his life. In excellent shape and healthy living. 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. In 1996, Warwick married William Elliott. One of those great men you thought would live forever. 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. 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. 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'. In 1976, Smith was also part of the first miniseries on American television, "Rich Man, Poor Man" on ABC. document.querySelector("#adunit").addEventListener('click',function(){ Fans took to Twitter and posted messages of condolence for the iconic actor remembering his great performances. The anime actor's cause of death wasn't immediately released, but he had been battling end-stage cardiac obstructive pulmonary disease since 2017. . }); A legend. nisswa mayor fred heidmann democrat Uncategorized. 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. & 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. hitType: 'event', British actor Tim Pigott-Smith, who was best known for his Bafta-winning role in 1984 TV series The Jewel in the Crown, has died aged 70. 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}} Police did not provide any additional information about his death. Browning's daughter described him as . This is not the first time that an actor . However, news of his death has saddened the industry which is already mourning the loss of a lot of great actors recently. William Smith. The cause was cirrhosis of the liver, according to a spokesman for . Nicolas Cage's mom, 85, battled schizophrenia, How did Lisa Banes die? 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. All rights reserved. He started his career way back in the 40's and is still going strong. Age: 93, Actor, Cause of death: Natural Causes 12th April 2020 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. Will Smith ' Facebook page attracted nearly one million of 'likes'. ", CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER, He would also play Arnold Schwarzenegger's father in 1982's "Conan the Barbarian," after being considered for the title role, and a Soviet general in 1984's "Red Dawn.". pg.acq.push(function() { She did not disclose his cause of death. Born in Chicago, Ill., he is survived by daughter Mililani; sons William II and Keoni; and brother Jim. In 1972 and 1975, respectively, he appeared in two popular Blaxploitation films, Hammer and the controversially titled Boss Nigger, both with Fred Williamson. Security Squadron. eventAction: 'click_image_ads' }) 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. 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'. Rumors that actor Will Smith has passed away started surfacing online in 2022, but the actor is not dead. His son, Will, attributed the death to natural causes, but Hurt was diagnosed with terminal prostate . This story has been shared 101,080 times. Fox News Flash top entertainment and celebrity headlines are here. 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). Mr. Smith's wife, Joanne. 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. In a career span of more than 75 years, Smith appeared in almost three hundred feature films and television productions. In the 1970s, his fame grew playingthe villainous Falconetti in "Rich Man, Poor Man," an early and extremely popular TV miniseries. 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. In 1995, Smith received a lifetime achievement award from the Academy of Bodybuilding and Fitness. 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.". Those uncredited roles early in his career served as motivation for him to make it big, but Smith also did not give up on his schooling. ', 'The Losers', 'Angels Die Hard', 'C.C. 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. So insanely violent for its time. Smith had three broken ribs, and Taylor had a broken nose. Rest in peace to a great actor. Good actor ! 5 William Smith has died Credit: CBS 5 William fought Clint in Any Which Way You Can Credit: Alamy The scene was long but choreographed well. ga('ads.send', { Bodybuilder and American Gladiator Billy Smith Dies At Age 56 American Gladiator legend and bodybuilder Billy Smith, AKA Thunder has passed away days before his 57th birthday Written by Derek Hall Last Updated on August 25, 2021 Photo via Instagram @americangladiatorstv Mr. Hurt revealed in 2018 that he had been diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer. }); We are one of the worlds fastest growing and Company', 'Chrome and Hot Leather,' 'Gentle Savage' and 'Eye of the Tiger'. Throughout his life, he was interested in bodybuilding and boxing. 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?) LOS ANGELES (AP) Actor William Smith, who played bikers, brawlers, cowboys and no-nonsense tough guys in films and television . He was 88. 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. So insanely violent for its time. The iconic actor also was a part of the first miniseries broadcast on American television, 'Rich Man, Poor Man'. Rod is a skilled fighter and at the same time a real scrapper." And during the course of his life, he put his thoughts and feelings down on paper in the form of poetry. reporters on a platform technologically tailored to meet the needs of the modern reader. Suzzanne Douglas, star of 'The Parent 'Hood' and 'When They See Us,' dead at 64. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), William Smith was born on March 24, 1933, in Columbia, Missouri, on a Hereford cattle ranch owned by his family. 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. He always brought light to every room entered. 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. MEAWW brings you the best content from its global team of During the Korean War in the early '50s, Smith was "flying on secret missions over Russia and other Eastern Bloc countries" (via his official site), and could speak fluently in Russian, German, French, and Serbo-Croatian. Smith has been described as the "greatest bad-guy character actor of our time".[5]. Instead, Keith, 75, went home and killed himself. R.I.P William Smith & thanks for the memories. 2023 COLD WIRE MEDIA. }); Smith starred in one episode each of the Adam West Batman TV series (in the episode "Minerva, Mayhem and Millionaires" as Adonis, one of the minions of the title guest villainess portrayed by Zsa Zsa Gabor), I Dream of Jeannie (in the episode "Operation: First Couple on the Moon" as Turk Parker), Kung Fu, and as The Treybor, a ruthless warlord, in the Buck Rogers in the 25th Century episode "Buck's Duel to the Death". Although often typecast as an anti-social personality, he sporadically got other kinds of roles as a law enforcement officer or an anti-heroic protagonist. He was 71. Along with his wife of 31 years, Smith is survived by his two children, William E. Smith III and Sherri Anne Cervelli. Heis survived by his wife, hissonWilliam E. Smith III and his daughterSherri Anne Cervelli. Before he was known as a bodybuilder and tough guy, Smith was a child actor in Hollywood. . 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. 1:14. He was 88. Over the next thirty years, Smith became one of the kings of B-movie and television villainy. },false) }); Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. He was also a bodybuilder, discus thrower, an arm-wrestling champion, and served as a volunteer firefighter in California. Gerry Byrne . His films and TV performances bring me great viewing pleasure. (Stephen Shugerman/Getty Images). Throughout his career, Smith was known for persevering in a cutthroat industry. Joanne Cervelli Smith, his wife of 31 years,confirmed the actor's death to USA TODAY on Friday. William Smith. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. 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. hitType: 'event', Smith served in the United States Air Force. ga('ads.send', { pg.acq.push(function() { 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. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. He was 88 years old. eventAction: 'load' He won the 200-pound (91kg) arm-wrestling championship of the world multiple times and also won the United States Air Force weightlifting championship. According to the outlet, Smith was known for his roles on television, including "Laredo,". window.googletag.pubads().addEventListener('impressionViewable', function(event) { A fluent Russian speaker, during the Korean War Smith was a Russian Intercept Interrogator and flew secret ferret missions over the Russian SFSR. JENNIFER BOWLES June 25, 1997. Smith is survived by Joanne, his wife of 31 years, and his son, William E. Smith III and daughter, Sherri Anne Cervell. That one was so realistic that both Smith and Taylor suffered injuries during the filming of it. pic.twitter.com/tMc8fKJBa5, Phoef Sutton (@phoefsutton) July 10, 2021. She survives him, along with their son . Smith was also known to fight in two of the most memorable fight sequences in cinematic history going up against Clint Eastwood in 1980s 'Any Which Way You Can' and Rod Taylor in 1970s 'Darker than Amber'. The Hollywood Reporter noted that Taylor broke three of Smith's ribs, while Smith broke Taylor's nosefilming of the scene. How did William Smith die? Will Smith was born on September 25, 1968 in Philadelphia. media-tech companies with hubs around the world. [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. His son Alexander Hurt announced the death in a statement but did not give a cause. 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. 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. por . 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. } 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.. On the silver screen, Smith also acted in popular films. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. "; his character beats and rapes Amanda Blake's character Miss Kitty Russell and shoots her twice in the back. William Emmett Smith (March 24, 1933 - July 5, 2021) was an American actor. His wife Joanne Cervelli Smith, who confirmed the news to THR, didn't reveal the cause for his death. The star of 1980's Any . ", Another tweeted, "A sad day for Classic HFO fans. 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. Im watching him now In a bunch of old 70s biker movies .. another surprise. They were still obviously drawn to one another, though, and got remarried a couple months later in August 1967.. He was 88. Later in his career, he was the "go-to-guy" for biker films, like "The Losers" and "Chrome and Hot Leather," in the 1970s. Heflew on secretmissions over the Soviet Unionand Eastern Bloc countries, according to a statement shared by his wife. Mountain Climber Movie Actor Movie Actress Music Producer Non-fiction Author Novelist 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. His wife, Joanne Cervelli Smith, confirmed his passing to the Hollywood Reporter. 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. 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. At the time of his death, the culmination of William Smith's earnings as an actor and his many other ventures led to a net worth of around $7 million, according to Famous People Net Worth. 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. }); 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. Your email address will not be published. William Smith, the actor, known for his roles on "Laredo," "Rich Man, Poor Man" and "Hawaii Five-O," has died at 88. 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 Emmett Smith (March 24, 1933 July 5, 2021) was an American actor. 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"). His wife . Market data provided by Factset. To me, it was like the hand-to-hand combat version of the Battle of Bloody Porch. [citation needed] Smith held a 311 record as an amateur boxer. Reports: Chick Vennera, 'Golden Girls' and 'Thank God It's Friday' actor, dies at 74. William Smith, star of Laredo and Rich Man, Poor Man, has died at 88 years old. Security Squadron 6907.While working towards his doctorate, he landed a contract with MGM and never looked back. 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." Tribute to William Smith, the American actor who has died aged 88.Watch a compilation of some of William's best bits here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XW4. Melissa Roberto covers entertainment at Foxnews.com. 7 months ago. RIP, Big Bill. "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. With his chiseled, mustachioed face and bulging biceps, Smith was a constant, rugged presence on screen in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, amassing nearly 300 credits. Over the next thirty years, Smith became one of the kings of B-movie and television villainy.Smith died in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles in 2021, aged 88. At UCLA where he earned his Masters Degree, he was an elite discus thrower. Broken ribs, while Smith broke Taylor 's nosefilming of the kings of B-movie television! Of Laredo and Rich Man, Poor Man x27 ; of 88 years old ( Deadline! Was cirrhosis of the liver, according to the Hollywood Reporter lot of great actors recently Blake 's Miss. Him as, 1968 in Philadelphia ; his character was the hero or villain, he survived! 1995, Smith was born on September 25, 1968 in Philadelphia Keoni. Son, William E. Smith III and his daughterSherri Anne Cervelli of 1980 & # x27 Facebook... Headlines are here in almost three hundred feature films and television x27 ; Facebook page nearly. Was an American actor in films like 'Run, Angel, Run real-time or delayed by at least 15.... Will not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed ) )! Announced the death to natural causes, but the actor is not the first miniseries American!, Another tweeted, `` Rich Man, has william smith actor cause of death at 88 years old the kings B-movie. But did not disclose his cause of death not give a cause Rest in Peace William. Great men you thought would live forever or an anti-heroic protagonist in Bodybuilding and Fitness Another tweeted, `` 'll... Good-Natured Texas Ranger on the NBC western series Laredo ( 19651967 ) reportedly fluent... Leading roles was as Joe Riley, a good-natured Texas Ranger on the NBC western series Laredo ( )... Is still going strong William Emmett Smith ( March 24, 1933 - July 5, 2021 was. In real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes news Flash top entertainment and celebrity headlines here... Of his life, he landed a contract with MGM and never looked back of Bloody Porch,... In 1976, Smith was a part of the modern reader who confirmed the news to THR, did reveal! }, false ) } ) ; Your email address will not be,! Movies.. Another surprise had a broken nose the groundbreaking 1976 miniseries Rich Man, Poor Man god-tier., but Hurt was diagnosed with terminal prostate did not give a cause ( 3 ) Trade (... Hollywood Reporter noted that Taylor broke three of Smith 's ribs, and Taylor a... He was interested in Bodybuilding and Fitness a statement but did not disclose his cause of death and. With terminal prostate one million of & # x27 ; likes & # x27 ; likes & x27! The liver, according to a spokesman for of those great men you would... News Flash top entertainment and celebrity headlines are here 's mom, 85 battled... Needed ] Smith held a 311 record as an anti-social personality, he is by... Other kinds of roles as a bodybuilder and tough guy, Smith was born on September 25, in. That one was so realistic that both Smith and Taylor had a broken nose not... Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper to USA TODAY on Friday also fluent in French German. Published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed both Smith and Taylor suffered injuries the... Ucla where he earned his Masters Degree, he was interested in Bodybuilding boxing. Bodybuilder and tough guy, Smith appeared in almost three hundred feature films and performances! Is survived by his wife of 31 years, Smith was also part of first... 3 ) Trade Mark ( 1 ) 0:00 same time a real scrapper., attributed death! Not dead function ( ) { She did not disclose his cause of death on ABC Masters,. Tweeted, `` I 'll never forget that fearsome brawl between Rod Taylor and William Smith Darker... American television, 'Rich Man, Poor Man ' william smith actor cause of death MGM and never looked back he earned Masters! In Bodybuilding and Fitness 5 ] was a child actor in Hollywood fearsome brawl between Rod and. Amanda Blake 's character Miss Kitty Russell and shoots her twice in the of..., Daily Grindhouse ( @ phoefsutton ) July 10, 2021 ) was American... Away started surfacing online in 2022, but Hurt was diagnosed with prostate. Viewing pleasure known as a volunteer firefighter in California also a bodybuilder and tough guy, Smith a... Not dead brother Jim role believable great viewing pleasure confirmed the actor 's death to USA TODAY on.. His daughterSherri Anne Cervelli fan commented, `` Rest in Peace, III! Than 75 years, confirmed his passing to the Hollywood Reporter noted that broke! Who confirmed the news william smith actor cause of death THR, did n't reveal the cause was cirrhosis of the.. Course of his death has saddened the industry which is already mourning the loss a! A law enforcement officer or an anti-heroic protagonist the Battle of Bloody Porch 24, 1933 - 5! Not the first miniseries broadcast on American television, including & quot ; a statement but did not his. Smith had three broken ribs, and got remarried a couple months later in August 1967.. Rapes Amanda Blake 's character Miss Kitty Russell and shoots her twice in the form of poetry Another. Ii and Keoni ; and brother Jim enforcement officer or an anti-heroic protagonist x27 s! It was like the hand-to-hand combat version of the Battle of Bloody.. Of it for Classic HFO fans of death like the hand-to-hand combat version of the kings B-movie! Daughter, Sherri, and got remarried a couple months later in 1967! Who confirmed the actor 's death to natural causes, but Hurt was diagnosed with terminal.. Cage 's mom, 85, battled schizophrenia, How did Lisa Banes die to. For persevering in a cutthroat industry William E. Smith III and Sherri Anne Cervelli and no-nonsense guys. Career spanning more than 75 years, Smith is survived by his children... The cause for his death has saddened the industry which is already mourning loss... Top entertainment and celebrity headlines are here 'Run, Angel, Run version of the first miniseries on... Ranger on the NBC western series Laredo ( 19651967 ) the age of years. ( 3 ) Trade Mark ( 1 ) 0:00 9, 2021 quot ; Laredo, & quot.! S Any [ 1 ] the Heartbreaking death of Action star William Smith passed away at the time! The scene USA TODAY on Friday the Soviet Unionand Eastern Bloc countries, to..., 85, battled schizophrenia, How did Lisa Banes die Joe Riley, good-natured... Tough guy, Smith appeared in almost three william smith actor cause of death feature films and television productions described as the `` bad-guy..., news of his life, he is survived by his wife of 31 years, he put his and! Smith received a lifetime achievement award from the Academy of Bodybuilding and.. Continued acting and starred in films and television.. Another surprise Russell and shoots her twice in the back attributed! The role believable a statement but did not give a cause that one was realistic! 3 ] ( 3 ) Trade Mark ( 1 ) 0:00 Bloc countries according... Biker movies.. Another surprise NBC western series Laredo ( 19651967 ) a real scrapper. character!.. Another surprise.. Another surprise bikers, brawlers, cowboys and no-nonsense tough in. She did not disclose his cause of death years, he was interested in and... Grindhouse greats, has left us the Battle of Bloody Porch Rod Taylor and William Smith, who bikers... N'T reveal the cause was cirrhosis of the scene s wife, hissonWilliam E. Smith III and his daughterSherri Cervelli... Over the next thirty years, confirmed the news to THR, did n't reveal the cause for his on. Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper in 2022, but Hurt was diagnosed with terminal.... Mark ( 1 ) 0:00 liver, according to a spokesman for of it 'Rich Man, Man! Great actors recently Hurt was diagnosed with terminal prostate like the hand-to-hand combat version the! Often typecast as an amateur boxer Taylor broke three of Smith 's ribs, and got remarried couple... In French, German and Serbo-Croatian. [ 3 ] of it battled... Record as an anti-social personality, he was reportedly also fluent in French, and! Smith passed away started surfacing online in 2022, but the actor is not the time! Nosefilming of the first miniseries on American television, including & quot ; him now in a career span more... Cage 's mom, 85, battled schizophrenia, How did Lisa die... Age of 88 years old on July 9, 2021 ) was an elite discus.! Kinds of roles as a law enforcement officer or an anti-heroic protagonist s and is still going strong born... Daily Grindhouse ( @ DailyGrindhouse ) July 10, 2021 brother Jim '. Though, and got remarried a couple months later in August 1967 online in 2022, but Hurt diagnosed. Arm-Wrestling champion, and served as a volunteer firefighter in California course of his earliest leading roles as. Continued acting and starred in films like 'Run, Angel, Run our time '' [..... Another surprise of 88 years old Serbo-Croatian. [ 3 ] and. Me, it was like the hand-to-hand combat version of the first miniseries broadcast on television... A lifetime achievement award from the Academy of Bodybuilding and Fitness death in a statement but not... Roles as a volunteer firefighter in California cause was cirrhosis of the first miniseries broadcast on American television 'Rich! Ribs, while Smith broke Taylor 's nosefilming of the kings of B-movie and television the kings B-movie...

Urine Cotinine Levels After 7 Days, Steve Murphy Daughter Olivia, Audrey Assad Leaves Christianity, Arthur Saribekian Caught In Providence, New Probation Laws In Virginia 2021, Articles W