This dreadful thriller blends together the genres of homicidal psychos and of car chases. He also worked with Tarantino on Django Unchained. Here's what Kevin Smith had to say about the late actor in his Instagram post. His actor son, James Parks, often joined him, playing McGraw's son Edgar. 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. He was 77. Veteran actor Michael Parks, a favorite of directors like Quentin Tarantino and Kevin Smith, died in Los Angeles on Tuesday, his agent confirmed. Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter. Causes of death on the death certificate represent a medical opinion that might vary . Menu. His other TV series included David Lynch'sTwin Peaks in the 1990sand the Dynasty spinoffThe Colbys in the 1980s. Earl McGraw: James Parks . Brian G. Huttons 1965 romantic drama, Wild Seed, which cast him as a mysterious, but good-hearted drifter. Michael Parks (born Harry Samuel Parks; April 24, 1940 - May 9, 2017) was an American singer and actor. Julia makes a deal with her, though if it's an unattractive guy, then Arlene can say that she was already approached and already gave the lap dance. "He was like James Dean," Affleck told USA TODAY in 2012. From the moment I saw him steal the opening scene of #fromdusktildawn at an advance screening at the Sunset 5 back in the mid-90's, I said to @samosier "Could you imagine what it must be like to work with a Yoda of acting like that guy? My heart goes out to James (Michaels son), Oriana (Michaels wife), Quentin Tarantino (Michaels biggest fan) and any movie or music lover who was ever dazzled by the talents of Michael Parks. I wrote both #RedState and @tuskthemovie FOR Parks, I loved his acting so much. He is survived by his wife, Oriana Parks, and his son, actor James Parks. Updated with details on a May 20 memorial service. Parks had movie-star looks but he preferred character roles, especially villains, Schulman said. ", Michael Parks and his son James Parks perform in 2003 in "Kill Bill. Character actor Michael Parks has died after a career that lasted more than 50 years. People died of natural causes, of suicide, and for many, accidents. Tarantino cast him in multiple roles in both parts of "Kill Bill" and his "Death Proof" half of 2007's "Grindhouse." Sometimes, the characters followed Mr. Sometimes, the characters followed Parks from filmmaker to filmmaker. 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Ready for Tolkien Battle, How the Landscape of Native-Led Stories Has Changed Between Avatars: Were Flexing Our Sovereignty, The Definitive Voice of Entertainment News. Fourteen months later, Mike turns up in Lebanon, Tennessee and chase Abernathy, Zo and Kim, but these girls are tough and decide to pay-back the attack. He is survived by his wife, Oriana, and his son, James, an actor who has also appeared in several Tarantino movies. He died on Tuesday in Los Angeles, his agent, Jane Schulman, said on Wednesday. He was 77. He was discovered by the actor Frank Silvera while performing with a theatre group in Hermosa Beach, on Los Angeles South Bay coast, in 1958. His. Each turned to Parks again and again for meaty supporting roles. The Son, which can best be described as a western drama, premiered on April 8, 2017, and was developed by Meyer, Brian McGreevy, and Lee Shipman. John Huston directed Parks as Adam in The Bible (also 1966); in the same year, Parks was said to be one of the pall-bearers at Lenny Bruces funeral. He returned in Tarantinos Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003) and Death Proof, and in Rodriguezs Planet Terror (both 2007); the last two titles were released in the US as the double-bill package Grindhouse and internationally as separate titles. Were incredibly sad to report today that actor/singerMichael Parks, who most recently owned the screen in Kevin Smiths Red State and Tusk, has just passed away at the age of 77. Bloody Disgusting has learned today that Ricou Browning, known for playing the titular Creature from the Black Lagoon in Universals original 1954 horror classic, has passed away this week at the age of 93. Most of his work, including a recurring role on the Dynasty spin-off The Colbys (1987), was confined to television, at least until Rodriguez and Tarantino revived interest in him. He played Texas Ranger Earl McGraw in Rodriguez's "From Dusk Till Dawn," a role he reprised in "Kill Bill" and "Grindhouse." Genre actor and Quentin Tarantino favorite Michael Parks has passed away at the age of 77. Death Proof streaming: where to watch online? Michael Parks, a prolific character actor who found early fame in 1960s countercultural roles and later became a favorite of directors including Quentin Tarantino and Kevin Smith, has died. This time, three young women, Abernathy, Zo and Kim, have caught the eye of the maniacal misogynist, who has decided to play a thrilling but dangerous cat-and-mouse game. Many of his early starring roles were in anti-establishment '60s-era films such as "Wild Seed," ''The Happening," with Anthony Quinn, and "Bus Riley's Back in Town," alongside Ann-Margret. Ricou Browning played the Gill-Man for the films extensive underwater sequences, and he subsequently reprised the iconic role in the sequels Revenge of the Creature (1955) and The Creature Walks Among Us (1956). As an actor, Michael Parks had a nearly 60-year career in the business, getting his start on an episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents in 1958. That same year, he could be seen opposite Brad Pittand Casey AffleckinThe Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. The same charges were levelled at his performance in The Idol (1966), a melodrama in which he played a young man who seduces his friends mother (Jennifer Jones). He died on Tuesday in Los Angeles, his agent, Jane Schulman, said on Wednesday. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Michael Parks, longtime Hollywood mainstay and beloved character actor and singer, has passed away at the age of 77. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Michael was, and will likely forever remain, the best actor Ive ever known. A death certificate is a permanent record of an individual's death. My favorite memory of Michael is watching him and #johnnydepp act with and at each other, like a couple of dueling wizards, in their shared scene in Tusk. The Weird Walrus Fetish in Kevin Smiths Tusk [Horror Queers Podcast], Kevin Smiths First Horror Movie Red State is Even More Terrifyingly Relevant 10 Years Later, [R.I.P.] The New York Times remarked on his considerable charm and appeal but complained about his James Dean mannerisms. Covertly tracking their moves is Stuntman Mike, a scarred rebel leering from behind the wheel of his muscle car, revving just feet away. He died on Tuesday in Los Angeles, his agent, Jane Schulman, said on Wednesday. In the drama Bus Rileys Back in Town (1965), he played the title character, a young navy veteran struggling with civilian life. Parks also starred as a disillusioned, motorcycle-riding newsman in the 1969 series "Then Came Bronson." "I wrote both 'Red State' and 'Tusk' for Parks, I loved his acting so much. Theyre ready to go., Faces from #DeathProof Michael Parks/Earl McGraw, James Parks/Edgar McGraw, Marley Shelton/Dr.Dakota Block pic.twitter.com/Ok9COpKyWh, moviemicroreview (@moviemicrorw) September 4, 2013, (Back Row Standing, L-R) Actors Henry Garrett, James Parks, Shane Graham, Tatanka Means, Zahn McClarnon, Sean Stone, Pierce Brosnan, Jacob Lofland, Jess Weixler, Elizabeth Frances, Sydney Lucas, Paola Nunez, (front row kneeling), David Wilson Barnes and Carlos Bardem attend AMCs The SON premiere at ArcLight Hollywood on April 3, 2017 in Hollywood, California. Parks was in Heaven that day, sharing the screen with another brilliant actor and creating an unforgettable performance. Still plays with toys. I wrote both #RedState and @tuskthemovie FOR Parks, I loved his acting so much. In a career that spanned six decades, Parks acted in more than 100 films and TV shows. All rights reserved. Michael Parks, who has died aged 77, was a softly spoken character actor who enjoyed a prolific and chequered film and television career, largely in the exploitation genre. Kill Bill and From Dusk till Dawn actor Michael Parks has died at age 77. He was, hands-down, the most incredible thespian I ever had the pleasure to watch perform. Michael Parks, a veteran character actor memorable in a long career of quirky and award-winning films and TV shows, died Tuesday. My favorite memory of Michael is watching him and #johnnydepp act with and at each other, like a couple of dueling wizards, in their shared scene in Tusk. "- Abernathy: You can't get around the fact that people who carry guns, tend to get shot more than people who don't. - Kim: And you can't get around the fact that if I go down to the laundry room in my building at midnight enough times, I might get my ass raped.". Both roles were written especially for him by Smith, who said: He will take a page of dialogue and deliver it in a different way than anybody else., Parks had appeared earlier as the mobster and drug-runner Jean Renault in David Lynchs cult television series Twin Peaks (199091), but his career resurgence really began after a scene-stealing appearance in the vampire movie From Dusk Till Dawn (1996), directed by Rodriguez and written by Tarantino, who also starred in the film alongside George Clooney. 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. Read on to learn more about 48-year-old James Parks. Gotham Knights Horror Icon Doug Bradley Playing Iconic DC Villain in The CW Series! They meet the former Hollywood stuntman Mike, who takes Pam out in his "death-proof" stunt car. I was so fucking blessed to have worked with this bonafide genius. Parks worked with Kevin Smith on his movies Red State and Tusk, which Smith says he wrote specifically for the actor. Michael Deak . Smithsaid Parks "elevated' any film or TV show he was in and any directorhe worked for. And Parks brought out the absolute best in me every time he got near my set.. His last appearance occurred in a flashback at the end of season 3. R.I.P. Has four awesome cats. Unwelcome Exclusive Clip Meet the Tiny Goblins in Upcoming Irish Creature Feature! He appeared in four episodes: If You Love Me, Why Am I Dyin?, The First Taste, Strange Love, and the original pilot. ", Parks found perhaps his most famous parts in the 1990s thanks to the interest of Tarantino, Smith and Robert Rodriguez, the often connected independent filmmakers. He was 77. He then worked prolifically in television from 1960 onwards, in series including Gunsmoke, Perry Mason, and the Alfred Hitchcock Hour. In an interview with ScreenSlam, James spoke about what it was like scoring the role, describing it as an exceptional moment., He also reveals that it wasnt until The Hateful Eight that he really got know Tarantino well and begin to fully understand his process. No cause of death was announced. All rights reserved. In Austin, Texas, the girlfriends Julia, Arlene and Shanna meet in a bar to drink, smoke and make out with their boyfriends before traveling alone to Lake LBJ to spend the weekend together. . ", He played the Canadian drug runner Jean Renault on David Lynch's "Twin Peaks. Market data provided by Factset. Mack, a drug dealer specializing in Vampire Blood, made his debut in Strange Love and met his demise in The First Date. Inside, the girls are approached by Jungle Julia's friend. But his acting career hit a bump after a contractual dispute with Universal led to his suspension. The Blackening Trailer Horror-Comedy Spoofs Slasher Tropes from a Black Perspective, Agent Elvis Trailer Elvis Gets Bloody in Netflixs Adult Animated Series on March 17th, From Season 2 Teaser Trailer Critically Acclaimed Series Returns to MGM+ in April. Farewell, old friend. ", A post shared by Kevin Smith (@thatkevinsmith). FILE - In this Sept 16, 2014 file photo, Michael Parks arrives at the LA Premiere Of "Tusk" in Los Angeles. ". For the series, Parks, who recorded a number of albums throughout his career, sang the popular closing theme song, "Long Lonesome Highway. Browning made his directorial debut with 1973s sea lion movie Salty, and he notably also co-created the classic Flipper franchise. Tarantino acquired the record as a teenager. An underwater cinematographer and stuntman, Ricou Browning was uniquely equipped to play the Creature from the Black Lagoon, and he went on to direct the underwater sequences in films including Thunderball (1965), Hello Down There (1969), Caddyshack (1980), and Never Say Never Again (1983). Despite a stacked resume that includes over 140 screen credits, Parks was reportedly blacklisted by the studio system after making comments about the content of Then Came Bronson and Hollywood in general, a fascinating and terrible period of time that was chronicled in a 2013 article on The Artifice. Parks appeared in a number of films from the trio of filmmakers, including Tarantinos Kill Bill duo, the Grindhouse omnibus, Death Proof, Planet Terror, and Django Unchained. In 2012, he had a small but crucial role in Best Picture winner Argo., Parks upcoming slate includes a number of new offerings, fromOrson Oblowitzs crime drama The Queen of Hollywood Blvd. and a starring role in the animated short Other Fish.. 10 Video Games That Need a Live Action Adaptation. The characters father, Earl McGraw, was played by his real-life father. And Parks brought out the absolute best in me every time he got near my set. Actor James Parks (R) and guest attend the world premiere of The Hateful Eight presented by The Weinstein Company at ArcLight Cinemas Cinerama Dome on December 7, 2015 in Hollywood, California. He played Texas Ranger Earl McGraw in Rodriguez's "From Dusk Till Dawn," a role he reprised in "Kill Bill" and "Grindhouse." Michael Parks, the veteran Hollywood character actor who appeared in Kill Bill, Django Unchained and Red State, has died. ", "Michael was, and will likely forever remain, the best actor I've ever known," Smith wrote on Instagram. And Parks brought out the absolute best in me every time he got near my set.". My heart goes out to James (Michael's son), Oriana (Michael's wife), Quentin Tarantino (Michael's biggest fan) and any movie or music lover who was ever dazzled by the talents of Michael Parks. Ill see you farther along #KevinSmith #actor #genius #rip #walrusyes, A post shared by Kevin Smith (@thatkevinsmith) on May 10, 2017 at 8:13am PDT. Owns Eli Roth's prop corpse from Piranha 3D. ", Parks found perhaps his most famous parts in the 1990s thanks to the interest of Tarantino, Smith and Robert Rodriguez, the often connected independent filmmakers. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. For the series, Parks, who recorded a number of albums throughout his career, sang the popular closing theme song, "Long Lonesome Highway. I hate to report that my cinematic muse #michaelparks has passed away. Michael Parks, Kill Bill & From Dusk Till Dawn Actor, Passes Away at 77, Warner Bros. CEO Says James Gunn's DCU Plans Are a 'Game Changer' for the Company, Jung So-mins Best Movies and TV Shows, Ranked, The 20 Best Movies With a Low Rotten Tomatoes Score. Sign Up: Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! They all make it apparent that Julia issued a challenge to her listeners about Arlene on the radio earlier. He was 77. Living With Chucky Check Out the Collectors Edition Blu-ray Artwork from Creepy Duck Design! Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day. NEW YORK Michael Parks, a prolific character actor who found early fame in 1960s countercultural roles and later became a favorite of directors including Quentin Tarantino and Kevin Smith,. According to Schulman, his pre-acting jobs included picking fruit, digging ditches, driving trucks and fighting forest fires. Sign up for our Email Newsletters here. Ricou Browning is survived by his children Ricou Browning Jr., Renee, Kelly and Kim. Hospital scene in the movie Death Proof Cast in scene: Michael Parker as Earl McGraw James parks as Edgar McGraw Marley Shelton as Dr. Dakota Block McGraw, The Hateful Eight: James Parks "O.B. Guidelines for who can certify a death can vary by . During his busy Hollywood career, Parks appeared in movies by auteur directors like Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez and Kevin Smith, who paid tribute to the veteran actor on Wednesday via Instagram. For the series, Parks, who recorded a number of albums throughout his career, sang the popular closing theme song, "Long Lonesome Highway. His naturalism was just amazing to watch, said Rodriguez. From Dusk till Dawn actor Michael Parks has died at age 77. Parks more recent appearances were in the filmsThe Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, Argo, We Are What We Are, and the aforementioned Red State and Tusk. In 1986, he directed himself as Josey Wales in the The Return of Josey Wales, his only directorial credit. He is survived by his wife, Oriana Parks, whom he married in 1997, and his son. He appeared in many films and made frequent television appearances, notably starring in the 1969-1970 series Then Came Bronson, but was probably best known for his work in his later years with filmmakers such as Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez, and Kevin Smith. No cause of death was announced. Director Kevin Smith, who collaborated with the actor several times in recent years, first broke the news. If they do all that and call her "butterfly," then Arlene will give them a lap dance. Farewell, old friend. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Hollywood was shocked and heartbroken when actor, producer and director Michael Landon passed away at his Malibu home just three months after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. However, in more recent years, Michael Parks has become something of an icon thanks to his work with directors like Kevin Smith and Quentin Tarantino, the later of which calls Michael Parks his favorite actor. Parks starred on Then Came Bronson, appeared on legal dramas like Perry Mason and Sam Benedict and had roles on the Dynasty spinoff series The Colbys and David Lynchs Twin Peaks, where he played the Canadian drug runner Jean Renault. Some view him as a dangerous racist who should be avoided, while others consider him a friend, whose interests align with their own. As the ornery Texas ranger Earl McGraw, he was shot dead by Tarantinos character in the first 10 minutes, but both directors later cast him as McGraw in other films. Parks claimed: If you dont play the game, you dont work. During the 70s and 80s, he could only muster sporadic appearances in independent films., Yet Parks persevered, and his career eventually hit a major upswing after years of creative and independent choices. He is repped by GVA Talent Agency and David Styne. All Rights Reserved. No cause of death was named. Tarantino cast him in multiple roles in both parts of "Kill Bill" and his "Death Proof" half of 2007's "Grindhouse.". They go to a local bar named Gueros. From 1969 to 1970 he starred as a motorcycle-riding hero in Then Came Bronson,and even sang the theme song for the show, Long Lonesome Highway,which was a hit on the Billboard and Hot Country Songs charts, she said. Many of his early starring roles were in anti-establishment '60s-era films such as "Wild Seed," ''The Happening," with Anthony Quinn, and "Bus Riley's Back in Town," alongside Ann-Margret. Parks also starred as a disillusioned, motorcycle-riding newsman in the 1969 series "Then Came Bronson." Parks recorded a number of albums for MGM, including Closing the Gap and Blue., In recent years, Parks enjoyed quite a resurgence, thanks to the attentions of directors like Smith, Tarantino, and Robert Rodriguez, who frequently cast him in beefy and compelling supporting roles. We send our deepest condolences to his friends, family, and fans. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Parks was born in Corona, Calif., on April 24, 1940. Only Michael Parks could have delivered the line Is man indeed a walrus at heart? and make it scary as fuck. Parks is survived by his son James and his wife Oriana. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. But really, I was just lucky to have known him at all. I wish I could say that I really knew him but the parts that I played were sort of smaller and self-contained and didnt take as much work. Get the best of Fox News' entertainment coverage, right in your inbox. It's a mindless action film meant solely for Tarantino fans. His passing on Wednesday was confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter by his agent, Jane Schulman of Vesta Talent Agency. Michael was, and will likely forever remain, the best actor I've ever known. I'll see you fartheralong", Schulman said Parks was known as "an actor's actor by his peers with a breadth of astonishing rangethat has allowed him to portray stunning contrasts sometimes in the same film, likein2014'sTusk, starring in dual roles as an erudite serial killer opposite Justin Longand as a feeble rube opposite Johnny Depp.". He was, hands-down, the most incredible thespian I ever had the pleasure to watch perform. Michael Parks, the veteran Hollywood character actor who appeared inKill Bill, Django Unchained and Red State, has died. He was 77. I was so fucking blessed to have worked with this bonafide genius. In a career that spanned six decades, Parks acted in more than 100 films and TV shows. James played the role of Mack Rattray on True Blood. I saw him in Kevin Smith's Red State as this crazy preacher." He could be mean, and people who knew him said [about me], Another James Dean, without even knowing me.. It stars Pierce Brosnan as Eli McCullough, a cattle baron who befriends Niles over the course of the series. He returned to television in 1973 and appeared occasionally in movies, among them North Sea Hijack (1980) starring Roger Moore, and the thriller Storyville (1992) with James Spader. In middle age he was adopted as something of a mascot by the hip directors Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez and Kevin Smith. Parks movie credits included Ben Afflecks Argo, the horror/crime hybrid From Dusk Till Dawn and dual roles in the Kill Bill franchise as Texan Ranger Earl McGraw in the first film and Esteban Vihaio in the sequel. Many of his early starring roles were in anti-establishment '60s-era films such as "Wild Seed," ''The Happening," with Anthony Quinn, and "Bus Riley's Back in Town," alongside Ann-Margret. In middle age he was. James Parks, Michael Parks Son: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know, Please review our privacy policy here: https://heavy.com/privacy-policy/, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. Sometimes, the characters followed Parks from filmmaker to filmmaker. special makeup effects shop supervisor: K.N.B. An homage to the violent, gritty, un-PC action flicks of the 70s, Death Proof comes complete with dodgy editing and scratchy film stock, in an attempt to deliver that authentic 'grindhouse' vibe. In addition to Kill Bill, Parks worked with Tarantino on 2012'sDjango Unchainedand2007's Death Proof. "I couldn't bear to lose it.". more on this quote . Actor James Parks attends the 19th Annual Hollywood Film Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on November 1, 2015 in Beverly Hills, California. His passing on Wednesday was confirmed to The Hollywood. Michael Parks, a character actor best known for his roles in Quentin Tarantino movie Kill Bill: Vol. He played Texas Ranger Earl McGraw in Rodriguez's "From Dusk Till Dawn," a role he reprised in "Kill Bill" and "Grindhouse." From the moment I saw him steal the opening scene of #fromdusktildawn at an advance screening at the Sunset 5 back in the mid-90s, I said to @samosier Could you imagine what it must be like to work with a Yoda of acting like that guy? Each turned to Parks again and again for meaty supporting roles. The slight plot for this self-indulgent cult film has a maniac middle-aged stuntman driver trying to kill hot young girls with his heavy-duty equipped specialty car. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. And Parks brought out the absolute best in me every time he got near my set. The news was shared on Instagram Wednesday afternoon by Kevin Smith, who worked with Parks on recent projects like Red State and Tusk. Since then, hes booked over 60 roles in television and film series. Parks was in Heaven that day, sharing the screen with another brilliant actor and creating an unforgettable performance. At least two of his recent films are in post-production, according to his lengthyIMDb page. Parks early career was marked by a series of roles on television series like The Detectives, Perry Mason, 77 Sunset Strip, Wagon Train, Then Came Bronson, and Channing. He made the jump to film withBrian G. Huttons 1965 romantic drama, Wild Seed, which cast him as a mysterious, but good-hearted drifter. First published on May 10, 2017 / 1:14 PM. Only Michael Parks could have delivered the line Is man indeed a walrus at heart? and make it scary as fuck. Acting Legend Michael Parks Has Died Published 6 years ago on May 10, 2017 By John Squires We're incredibly sad to report today that actor/singer Michael Parks, who most recently owned. Youre not just showing up to work with anyone and theyre ready. Actor James Parks attends AMCs The SON premiere at ArcLight Hollywood on April 3, 2017 in Hollywood, California. You will be redirected back to your article in, Get The Latest IndieWire Alerts And Newsletters Delivered Directly To Your Inbox. Weve lost another true legend in the world of horror. Parks' agent, Jane Schulman, confirmed his death to news organizations but she did not. Parks robust television career continued long into the 80s and 90s,most notably witha role on the Dynasty spinoff The Colbys and a second-season stint on Twin Peaks., Parks was also an accomplished and lauded singer, whosang the theme song for the show Long Lonesome Highway, which became a #20 Billboard Hot 100 and #41 Hot Country Songs hit. NEW YORK Michael Parks, a prolific character actor who found early fame in 1960s countercultural roles and later became a favorite of directors including Quentin Tarantino and Kevin Smith, has died. I was so fucking blessed to have worked with this bonafide genius. Parks died on May 9, 2017 in Los Angeles, at the age of 77. Michael was, and will likely forever remain, the best actor Ive ever known. His death also was announced on social media Wednesday by Parks' Tusk and Red State director, Kevin Smith,who hailed him as his "cinematic muse" and "the best actor I've ever known. (Getty). The news was announced by filmmaker Kevin Smith, who took to his Instagram. Edgar McGraw: Marley Shelton . RIP, Michael Parks. Browning worked at Wakulla Springs in the 1940s and learned to perform in underwater newsreels conceived by Newt Perry, who later took Browning along when he opened Weeki Wachee Springs. Legal Statement. Parks was briefly married while 16 years old to Louise Johnson, with whom he had a daughter. From the moment I saw him steal the opening scene of From Dusk Till Dawnat an advance screening at the Sunset 5 back in the mid-90s, I said to Scott Mosier,Could you imagine what it must be like to work with a Yoda of acting like that guy? Browning later directed the movie Mr. No Legs (1978), centered on a man with shotguns built into his wheelchair. NEW YORK (AP) Michael Parks, a prolific character actor who found early fame in 1960s countercultural roles and later became a favorite of directors including Quentin Tarantino and Kevin Smith, has died. Powered by. Parks was briefly married while 16 years old to Louise Johnson, with whom he had a daughter. Days later, the crew offered Browning the role of the titular Gill-man in the film Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954).. James will also be playing a role in the upcoming film Red State. Michael Parks was also originally supposed to star in Yoga Hosers, but for health reasons, he wasn't able to take the part. In Tarantinos cult-classic film From Dusk Till Dawn 2: Texas Blood Money, Parks played Texas Ranger Edgar McGraw. "I wrote both 'Red State' and 'Tusk' for Parks, I loved his acting so much. But really, I was just lucky to have known him at all. Report that my cinematic muse # michaelparks has passed away at the age 77... Strange Love and met his demise in the 1969 series `` then Came Bronson. a challenge to her about... A long career of quirky and award-winning films and TV shows 10, )... Stuntman Mike, who took to his friends, family, and will likely remain. On April 3, 2017 ) was an American singer and actor spanned six decades, acted... 9, 2017 / 1:14 PM butterfly, '' Affleck told USA TODAY, drug! Clip meet the Tiny Goblins in Upcoming Irish Creature Feature Chucky Check out the best! Thr news straight to your inbox every day entertainment coverage, right in your inbox every.... Edgar McGraw dispute with Universal led to his Instagram who worked with Parks on recent like!, Wild Seed, which cast him as a disillusioned, motorcycle-riding newsman in the of! On Instagram Wednesday afternoon by Kevin Smith, who collaborated with the actor Dawn actor michael Parks died. In a career that spanned six decades, Parks acted in more than years! Jungle Julia 's friend if you dont work of the latest breaking film and shows... That Julia issued a challenge to her listeners about Arlene on the radio earlier his James Dean, even. Centered on a May 20 memorial service news ' entertainment coverage, right in your inbox Smith... A drug dealer specializing in Vampire Blood, made his debut in Strange Love met... Iconic DC Villain in the 1980s an American singer and actor directors Quentin Tarantino movie Kill Bill Parks. Browning Jr., Renee, Kelly and Kim same year, he played the drug! 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Actor michael Parks, often joined him, playing McGraw 's son Edgar over 60 in! 16 years old to Louise Johnson, with whom he had a daughter or TV show he adopted., 1940 all make it apparent that Julia issued a challenge to her about! The course of the latest IndieWire Alerts and Newsletters delivered Directly to your inbox every day at all father! Perform in 2003 in `` Kill Bill and from Dusk till Dawn actor Parks... Cw series to lose it. `` had the pleasure to watch, said.. Any film or TV show he was, and will likely forever remain, veteran. News organizations but she did not Bradley playing Iconic DC Villain in the world of Horror told USA TODAY a. Causes of death on the radio earlier died at age 77 played the role mack... Jane Schulman, said Rodriguez he then worked prolifically in television from 1960 onwards, in series Gunsmoke. Have worked with Parks on recent projects like Red State, has died at age 77 to learn about... Characters father, Earl McGraw, was played by his wife Oriana by GVA Talent Agency and shows... Times remarked on his considerable charm and appeal but complained about his Dean... And Tusk till Dawn actor michael Parks and his son ( born Samuel. Agent, Jane Schulman, said on Wednesday but really, I loved his so! Tusk, which Smith says he wrote specifically for the actor several Times in recent years, broke. Course of the latest breaking film and TV shows, died Tuesday roles in Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez Kevin! Issued a challenge to her listeners about Arlene on the radio earlier Creepy Duck Design the animated other... Brought out the absolute best in me every time he got near my set. `` Vol. Career of quirky and award-winning films and TV news. `` Twin Peaks Came. Career hit a bump after a contractual dispute with Universal led to his Instagram post film from Dusk till actor. A post shared by Kevin Smith 's what Kevin Smith ( @ thatkevinsmith ) remarked his! 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