Earl Holliman, the versatile actor whose career spanned more than five decades and included iconic roles in both film and television, has died at the age of 96.
Holliman died Monday in hospice care at his Studio City home, his partner Craig Curtis confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter.
Holliman’s career was marked by a series of memorable performances, including his Golden Globe-winning role in The Rainmaker (1956), where he played Katharine Hepburn’s lovable, crazy brother.
His role as Jim Curry, which he beat out Elvis Presley, earned him the Best Supporting Actor award.
The following year, Holliman solidified his place in Hollywood history with his portrayal of Wyatt Earp’s assistant in Gunfight at the OK Corral (1957), a classic Western that remains a fan favorite.
He also made an unforgettable appearance in the first episode of The Twilight Zone (1959), further showing his range as an actor.
Earl Holliman, the versatile actor whose career spanned more than five decades and included iconic roles in both film and television, has died at the age of 96; (pictured in 2015)
Holliman died on Monday in palliative care at his home in Studio City, as confirmed by his partner Craig Curtis; (seen in The Twilight Zone)
In 1956, Holliman starred in the epic Giant alongside Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson, a film that would become one of the defining works of 1950s cinema.
However, perhaps one of his most enduring roles came in the 1970s when he played Angie Dickinson’s tough, no-nonsense boss in the groundbreaking police series Police Woman (1974), a role that made him a household name for a new generation. of spectators.
Holliman’s filmography includes a number of notable credits such as Broken Lance (1954), The Bridges at Toko-Ri (1954), Last Train from Gun Hill (1959), The Sons of Katie Elder (1965) and Sharky’s Machine (1981). . .
He also had recurring roles in television series such as Hotel de Paree and Wide Country, further establishing himself as a reliable and beloved character on both the big and small screen.
A true Hollywood icon, Holliman was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1977, cementing his legacy in the world of entertainment.
Holliman grew up in Oil City, Louisiana, and at just 15 years old he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II, according to Variety.
While stationed in Hollywood, he rubbed shoulders with stars at the famous Hollywood Canteen.
However, his true age was discovered after a year, resulting in his discharge, only to re-enlist after graduating high school.
Holliman’s career was marked by a series of memorable performances, including his Golden Globe-winning role in The Rainmaker (1956), where he played Katharine Hepburn’s lovable, crazy brother.
However, perhaps one of his most enduring roles came in the 1970s when he played Angie Dickinson’s tough, no-nonsense boss in the groundbreaking crime series Police Woman (1974), a role that made him a household name to a new generation. of spectators.
Curtis remembered him as “a gracious and kind confidant, a consummate host, a man whose indefatigable positivity was undying and fueled by a 1,000-watt smile, easy charm and infectious goodwill” (pictured in 1987).
Returning to Los Angeles, Holliman pursued acting and studied at the Pasadena Playhouse and UCLA.
While working at North American Aviation to make ends meet, he managed to sneak onto the Paramount Studios lot, where he met Paul Nathan, Hal Wallis’s associate producer.
This meeting led to his first film role in the Martin and Lewis comedy Scared Stiff.
Curtis remembered him as “a gracious and kind confidant, a consummate host, a man whose tireless positivity was undying and fueled by a 1,000-watt smile, easy charm and infectious good will.”