Tributes have poured in for veteran actor William “Bo” Hopkins, known for his roles in American Graffiti and Midnight Express, following his death at the age of 84.
Hopkins was taken to Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Van Nuys, California, after he suffered a heart attack on May 9, his wife Sian told The Hollywood Reporter. He died on May 28.
A statement on Hopkins’ website confirmed the death and read: “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.”
Hopkins was known for his role as Joe Young in George Lucas’ coming-of-age film American Graffiti and as Clarence Lee in western film, The Wild Bunch, by Sam Peckinpah.
Following the announcement of Hopkins’ death, many people took to social media to pay tribute to the veteran actor.
Film critic Sean burns said in a tweet: “RIP Bo Hopkins, the last of The Wild Bunch and leader of The Pharaohs. His Rockford Files episodes were always my favorites.”
RIP Bo Hopkins, the last of The Wild Bunch and leader of The Pharaohs. His Rockford Files episodes were always my favorites. pic.twitter.com/b5FanGESbj
— Sean Burns (@SeanMBurns) May 28, 2022
Comic book and TV writer Jay Faerber added: “Sad to hear that Bo Hopkins passed away. He’s been in some terrific movies (American Graffiti, Midnight Express, The Wild Bunch, and more) but I was first exposed to him as Rockford’s pal, disbarred lawyer John Cooper.”
Sad to hear that Bo Hopkins passed away. He’s been in some terrific movies (American Graffiti, Midnight Express, The Wild Bunch, and more!) but I was first exposed to him as Rockford’s pal, disbarred lawyer John Cooper. pic.twitter.com/sEFiHctksk
— Jay Faerber (@JayFaerber) May 29, 2022
Journalist Bilge Ebiri commented: “Bo Hopkins was an unforgettable screen presence as if James Dean had been reincarnated as an unhinged character actor. I loved him. Rest in Peace.”
Bo Hopkins was an unforgettable screen presence, as if James Dean had been reincarnated as an unhinged character actor. I loved him. Rest In Peace. https://t.co/QIegJsovPb
— Bilge Ebiri (@BilgeEbiri) May 28, 2022
William Hopkins was born on February 2, 1938, in Greenville, South Carolina, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He was sent to live with his grandparents when his mother remarried following his father’s death at 39 from a heart attack.
Hopkins later learned when he was 12 that he had been adopted when he was 9 months old. The actor would later meet his birth mother and learn he had half-siblings.
The publication added Hopkins headed to a reform school following a botched robbery when he enlisted in the army before his 17th birthday.
When Hopkins returned to Greenville following his service, he got a role in a production of The Teahouse of the August Moon at a local theater, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
His performances led to further opportunities in New York. He took the name “Bo” when he appeared in an off-Broadway production of Bus Stop, the publication reported.
While known for roles in the 1960s and 1970s, Hopkins acted over many decades and appeared in his final film, Hillbilly Elegy back in 2020.
Newsweek has reached out to Hopkins’ media team for comment.
Hollywood was rocked earlier this week when it was announced that Goodfellas actor and film icon Ray Liotta died on Thursday, May 26, at the age of 67.
The post Bo Hopkins Tributes Pour In After ‘American Graffiti’ Actor Dies Aged 84 appeared first on Newsweek.
