'American Graffiti' Star, 'The' 'Wild Bunch' Actor Bo Hopkins Dead at 84

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Veteran actor Bo Hopkins, known for his roles in classics such asAmerican Graffiti,The Wild Bunch, andMidnight Express, has died. He was 84.

On Saturday, a statement was posted on hiswebsiteto confirm his death.

“It is with great sadness that we announce that Bo has passed away,” the message read. “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.”

“He died peacefully in his sleep. Bo was 84 years old and proud of it!” Hamilton said. “He loved his life in Hollywood, especially the many friends he made on his movies. From actors, directors, producers, press people and all the way to stunt people, ADs, the costume people, composers…”

“He made friends that ran the gamut of each film and most of those friendships lasted a life time,” she continued. “He was very loyal.His fans around the world meant the world to him and he appreciated their letters and posts. He is now somewhere sitting around a camp fire with a beer in his hand and reuniting with all of those who have been waiting for him to join them. And there are quite a few.”

Jennifer Lourie/FilmMagic

Born in Greenville, South Carolina, on February 2, 1938, Hopkins, whose real name is William Hopkins, adopted a new name Bo based on the character he played in his first off-Broadway play,Bus Stop.

The actor landed his first feature film gig in the iconic 1969 westernThe Wild Bunch, playing a supporting role as Crazy Lee. The movie’s director, Sam Peckinpah, later hired him for two other roles as a double-crossed bank robber inTheGetaway(1972) and a weapons expert inThe Killer Elite(1975).

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He has since appeared in more than 100 films, includingWhite Lighting(1973),Posse(1975),The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing(1973),American Graffiti(1973),Midnight Express(1978), andThe Bounty Hunter(1989), to name a few.

source: people.com