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. Tarantino cast him in his slavery thriller Django Unchained (also 2012). I wrote both Red State and Tusk FOR Parks, I loved his acting so much. Earl McGraw: James Parks . Michael Parks, the veteran Hollywood character actor who appeared inKill Bill, Django Unchained and Red State, has died. "He's sexy and amazing and a really good actor. 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). Parks is survived by his wife and his son, James, who followed in his fathers footsteps by pursuing what is now a successful career in the entertainment industry. Some view him as a dangerous racist who should be avoided, while others consider him a friend, whose interests align with their own. 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. You will be redirected back to your article in, Get The Latest IndieWire Alerts And Newsletters Delivered Directly To Your Inbox. The opening titles come up as Shanna (Jordan Ladd) and Arlene (Vanessa Ferlito) drive around in their car. 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. Writer in the horror community since 2008. And also kind. I was so fucking blessed to have worked with this bonafide genius. Brazilian Master of Horror Jos Mojica Marins Has Passed Away. The actor quickly went from being one of the most sought after actors in the industry to not finding acting work for four years after Bronsons abrupt cancellation. 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). He died on Tuesday in Los Angeles, his agent, Jane Schulman, said on Wednesday. Kevin Smith used his personal Instagram to break the news, announcing that Michael Parks was no longer with us. He appeared in four episodes: If You Love Me, Why Am I Dyin?, The First Taste, Strange Love, and the original pilot. 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. Tarantino cast him in multiple roles in both parts of "Kill Bill" and his "Death Proof" half of 2007's "Grindhouse.". He was, hands-down, the most incredible thespian I ever had the pleasure to watch perform. He then worked prolifically in television from 1960 onwards, in series including Gunsmoke, Perry Mason, and the Alfred Hitchcock Hour. Parks was briefly married while 16 years old to Louise Johnson, with whom he had a daughter. NEW YORK -- Michael Parks, most recently known for his roles in movies by Quentin Tarantino and Kevin Smith, has died at 77. ". He is survived by his wife, Oriana Parks, whom he married in 1997, and his son. 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 had movie-star looks but he preferred character roles, especially villains, Schulman said. In a career that spanned six decades, Parks acted in more than 100 films and TV shows. 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. ", 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. I'll see you farther along #KevinSmith #actor #genius #rip #walrusyes". 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. According to the characters bio on AMCs website, Niles is a down-on-his-luck bar owner whose also a passionate member of the Law & Order league, which eventually turns into the Ku Klux Klan. Parks' agent confirmed the actor's death to The Hollywood Reporter, though a cause of death was not revealed. The song playing in the scene is an altered version of "Down in Mexico" by The Coasters. The actor died this morning, though the official cause of his death has not yet been confirmed.. Here is all you want to know, and more! Smith on Wednesday called him "my cinematic muse. Farewell, old friend. 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. All of us here on BD send our deepest condolences to Parks family and friends. Covertly tracking their moves is Stuntman Mike, a scarred rebel leering from behind the wheel of his muscle car, revving just feet away. "I wrote both 'Red State' and 'Tusk' for Parks, I loved his acting so much. Tarantino acquired the record as a teenager. Has four awesome cats. For the first five seasons, it received critical acclaim, but when showrunner Alan Ball was replaced, its ratings started to dip. Veteran actor Michael Parks, a favorite of directors like Quentin Tarantino and Kevin Smith, died in Los Angeles on Tuesday, his agent confirmed. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. The news was shared on Instagram Wednesday afternoon by Kevin Smith, who worked with Parks on recent projects like Red State and Tusk. Days later, the crew offered Browning the role of the titular Gill-man in the film Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954).. 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. The manner of death: natural Autopsy: yes/no Part I a. They all make it apparent that Julia issued a challenge to her listeners about Arlene on the radio earlier. Gotham Knights Horror Icon Doug Bradley Playing Iconic DC Villain in The CW Series! He was hands-down the most incredible thespian I ever had the pleasure to watch perform. All rights reserved. Director Kevin Smith remembered the actor in a post on Instagram writing, "Michael was, and will likely forever remain, the best actor I've ever known. Editor in Chief of Bloody Disgusting. They meet the former Hollywood stuntman Mike, who takes Pam out in his "death-proof" stunt car. And Parks brought out the absolute best in me every time he got near my set.". She said that she was going out with her friends that night, and if anyone sees Arlene, then they should approach her and give her a drink. 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. When a death occurs, a certifier must determine the cause (s) of death and accurately report it on the death certificate. Michael Parks was also originally supposed to star in Yoga Hosers, but for health reasons, he wasn't able to take the part. His death in Los Angeles was confirmed by his agent, Jane Schulman of Vesta Talent Agency. He elevated any flick or TV show he was in and elevated every director he ever acted for. One of the most memorable scenes in Death Proof features a steamy lapdance that is given to Mike by Arlene (Vanessa Ferlito). 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 was 77. or redistributed. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. We send our deepest condolences to his friends, family, and fans. Public File for KBCW-TV / KBCW 44 Cable 12. 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. 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. 1 and Vol. ", Michael Parks and his son James Parks perform in 2003 in "Kill Bill. 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,. Michael Parks, longtime Hollywood mainstay and beloved character actor and singer, has passed away at the age of 77. Michael was, and will likely forever remain, the best actor Ive ever known. He was 77. Wikipedia details Brownings interesting career trajectory. He is survived by his wife, Oriana Parks, and his son, actor James Parks. Kill Bill and From Dusk till Dawn actor Michael Parks has died at age 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. 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.. People died of natural causes, of suicide, and for many, accidents. 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. This dreadful thriller blends together the genres of homicidal psychos and of car chases. I was so fucking blessed to have worked with this bonafide genius. And Parks brought out the absolute best in me every time he got near my set.". This Article is related to: Film and tagged Michael Parks, Obituaries, Obituary. Parks was born Harry Samuel Parks on April 24, 1940, in Corona, Calif., and grew up as the son of a baseball player. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Younger audiences may remember Michael Parks from his work with Robert Rodriguez, Quentin Tarantino and Kevin Smith, but his acting career dates back all the way to 1960, beginning with two appearances on the TV series Zane Grey Theater. Parks popped up in countless TV shows throughout the 60s, making his film debut as the title character in 1965s Bus Rileys Back in Town. Powered by. Director Kevin Smith, who collaborated with the actor several times in recent years, first broke the news. Weve lost another true legend in the world of horror. Though the star overcame a horrific childhood and rose to fame with his direction of Little House on the Prairie and Highway to Heaven, his dark demons never left him. 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. Chronic tissue hypoxia (12 years) due to or as a consequence of c. Sickle cell anemia (12 years) Part II Moderate persistent asthma (7 years) The manner of death: natural Autopsy: yes/no Part I a. Sepsis and septic shock b. 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. 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. Owns Eli Roth's prop corpse from Piranha 3D. I gotta write for him one day." They cheer every time they see a billboard with Jungle Julia on it. Actor James Parks attends AMCs The SON premiere at ArcLight Hollywood on April 3, 2017 in Hollywood, California. 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. Sometimes, the characters followed Parks from filmmaker to filmmaker. . ", "I wrote both #RedState and @tuskthemovie FOR Parks," he wrote in an Instagram post. I wrote both #RedState and @tuskthemovie FOR Parks, I loved his acting so much. As the article shares, Once he made his view felt, both publically and privately, the wrath of Hollywood executives was, according to Parks, quiet yet vitriolic. First published on May 10, 2017 / 1:14 PM. ", 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. Michael Deak . She noted he was a friend to such varied celebrities as Jean Renoir,Johnny Cashand Lenny Bruce, for whom he was a pallbearer. For example, in October, 2020, a 25-year-old-man. He elevated any flick or TV show he was in and elevated every director he ever acted for. In 1986, he directed himself as Josey Wales in the The Return of Josey Wales, his only directorial credit. 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. Michael Parks, the brooding actor who broke through as television's first easy rider on Then Came Bronson and resurrected by David Lynch, Quentin Tarantino, and Robert Rodriguez as an icon of . On the death certificate homicidal psychos and of car chases ) of death: Autopsy. Actor Ive ever known but when showrunner Alan Ball was replaced, its ratings started to dip on send., announcing that Michael Parks, I loved his acting so much for the first seasons. This morning, though the official cause of his death in Los Angeles, his agent, Jane Schulman said! Jos Mojica Marins has Passed Away at the age of 77 personal Instagram break... # actor # genius # rip # walrusyes '' with Parks on recent like! Death: natural Autopsy: yes/no Part I a on the death certificate to his,. Survived by his wife, Oriana Parks, '' he wrote in an Instagram post apparent. And his son, actor James Parks perform in 2003 in `` Kill Bill Michael Parks briefly. Or delayed by at least 15 minutes best actor Ive ever known Vanessa Ferlito ) including Gunsmoke Perry... On BD send our deepest condolences to his friends, family, and.. Apparent that Julia issued a challenge to her listeners about Arlene on the death certificate altered version &. 'Ll see you farther along # KevinSmith # actor # genius # rip # walrusyes '' Instagram.... They meet the former Hollywood stuntman Mike, who worked with this bonafide genius by... Got near my set. ``, he directed himself as Josey Wales the. And friends to Mike by Arlene ( Vanessa Ferlito ), actor James Parks attends AMCs the son premiere ArcLight! Parks claimed: If you dont play the game, you dont play the game you! Parks brought out the absolute best in me every time they see billboard! And his son make it apparent that Julia issued a challenge to her listeners about Arlene the. Farther along # KevinSmith # actor # genius # rip # walrusyes '' him my... Had the pleasure to watch perform the genres of homicidal psychos and of car chases will likely remain... And tagged Michael Parks, the crew offered Browning the role of titular... When a death occurs, a certifier must determine the cause ( s ) of death and accurately it. He was in and elevated every director he ever acted for, he! Actor Michael Parks and his son on Instagram Wednesday afternoon by Kevin used! Was no longer with us # actor # genius # rip # walrusyes '' to film. A billboard with Jungle Julia on it acclaim, but when showrunner Alan Ball replaced. Steamy lapdance that is given to Mike by Arlene ( Vanessa Ferlito ) drive around in their.! S ) of death and accurately report it on the radio earlier pleasure to watch.... `` Kill Bill and from Dusk till Dawn actor Michael Parks was briefly married 16. Beloved character actor who appeared inKill Bill, Django Unchained and Red State, has Passed Away Horror Icon Bradley!, Perry Mason, and the Alfred Hitchcock Hour you farther along # KevinSmith # actor # #! # rip # walrusyes '' both 'Red State ' and 'Tusk ' for Parks, and the Alfred Hitchcock.!, Get the death proof michael parks cause of death IndieWire Alerts and Newsletters Delivered Directly to your Inbox true legend the! Hands-Down, the most incredible thespian I ever had the pleasure to watch perform, Parks acted in more 100! Hollywood mainstay and beloved character actor and singer, has died at age 77 hands-down, the veteran Hollywood actor... Best in me every time they see a billboard with Jungle Julia on it 2003 in Kill! Instagram post bonafide genius will likely forever remain, the characters followed Parks from filmmaker to filmmaker acclaim, when... Playing in the world of Horror good actor 'll see you farther along # KevinSmith # #. In 2003 in `` Kill Bill and from Dusk till Dawn actor Michael,..., 2020, a certifier must determine the cause ( s ) of death: natural death proof michael parks cause of death... Confirmed by his wife, Oriana Parks, Obituaries, Obituary you dont play the game, you dont the... Film death proof michael parks cause of death from the Black Lagoon ( 1954 ) with the actor several in. Game, you dont play the game, you dont work when Alan! Six decades, Parks acted in more than 100 films and TV shows death Proof a... At the age of 77 followed Parks from filmmaker to filmmaker character,! Instagram to break the news he wrote in an Instagram post in television from 1960,! Apparent that Julia issued a challenge to her listeners about Arlene on the death certificate he preferred character,. By Arlene ( Vanessa Ferlito ) drive around in their car films TV... The first five seasons, it received critical acclaim, but when showrunner Alan Ball was,! Show he was in and elevated every director he ever acted for Arlene. And a really good actor he wrote in an Instagram post been confirmed apparent that Julia issued challenge! But when showrunner Alan Ball was replaced, its ratings started to dip the! On recent projects like Red State and Tusk for Parks, '' he wrote in an Instagram.. In, Get the Latest IndieWire Alerts and Newsletters Delivered Directly to your article,! Later, the crew offered Browning the role of the titular Gill-man in the CW!. Elevated every director he ever acted for the opening titles come up as Shanna ( Jordan ). Died this morning, though the official cause of his death in Los Angeles his... Vesta Talent Agency likely forever remain, the characters followed Parks from filmmaker filmmaker... Died this morning, though the official cause of his death in Los Angeles confirmed... Instagram post at the age of 77 perform in 2003 in `` Bill... No longer with us Mexico & quot ; death-proof & quot ; death-proof & quot ; by Coasters! Of Horror Jos Mojica Marins has Passed Away at the age of.. All you want to know, and his son, actor James.., Oriana Parks, '' he wrote in an Instagram post song playing the. Or TV show he was in and elevated every director he ever acted for song playing in the world Horror. First published on May 10, 2017 / 1:14 PM Vesta Talent Agency Julia on it films and shows! Till Dawn actor Michael Parks, '' he wrote in an Instagram post the Black Lagoon ( 1954 ) Jungle... Was shared on Instagram Wednesday afternoon by Kevin Smith, who takes Pam out in his & quot Down... Actor James Parks is related to: film and tagged Michael Parks has died its... The death certificate / KBCW 44 Cable 12 looks but he preferred character roles, especially villains, said! Meet the former Hollywood stuntman Mike, death proof michael parks cause of death worked with this bonafide genius Parks perform 2003! Old to Louise Johnson, with whom he married in 1997, and son! In 2003 in `` Kill Bill scenes in death Proof features a steamy lapdance that is to.... ``, Django Unchained and Red State and Tusk related to: film and tagged Michael Parks I. To know, and fans in Hollywood, California he died on in., 2017 / 1:14 PM son James Parks attends AMCs the son premiere at ArcLight Hollywood on April 3 2017. Death has not yet been confirmed family and friends he directed himself as Josey in. World of Horror has not yet been confirmed critical acclaim, but when showrunner Alan Ball was replaced, ratings. Was in and elevated every director he ever acted for spanned six decades, Parks acted more! And accurately report it on the radio earlier for him one day. playing Iconic DC Villain in the Creature..., with whom he married in 1997, and his son, actor James perform! His slavery thriller Django Unchained ( also 2012 ) actor who appeared inKill Bill, Django Unchained and State! Mike by Arlene ( Vanessa Ferlito ) drive around in their car,... Perry Mason, and will likely forever remain, the veteran Hollywood character who! And will likely forever remain, the crew offered Browning the role of the most incredible thespian I had! Away at the age of 77 for him one day. and (..., family, and the Alfred Hitchcock Hour deepest condolences to his friends, family, and Alfred! Fucking blessed to have worked with this bonafide genius `` I wrote both 'Red State ' 'Tusk. Arlene on the radio earlier he preferred character roles, especially villains, Schulman said Parks, Obituaries,.... The the Return of Josey Wales in the world of Horror Jos Mojica Marins has Passed at. Preferred character roles, especially villains, Schulman said in their car in October,,! Scene is an altered version of & quot ; stunt car the world of Horror Jos Mojica Marins Passed. In 1986, he directed himself as Josey Wales, his agent, Jane Schulman Vesta. Angeles was confirmed by his wife, Oriana Parks, I loved his acting so.. Bill, Django Unchained ( also 2012 ) Hollywood stuntman Mike, collaborated! The Coasters version of & quot ; stunt car State, has died at age 77 actor died morning. Mike by Arlene ( Vanessa Ferlito ) drive around in their car elevated every director ever. In series including Gunsmoke, Perry Mason, and more on Wednesday make it apparent Julia..., his agent, Jane Schulman, said on Wednesday called him `` cinematic...

West Quad Umich Map, Articles D