American Graffiti Actor Bo Hopkins passes away at the age of 80

Hopkin’s death was confirmed by his wife of 33 years, Sian. As per reports, Hopkin died in Van Nyuys, California at Valley Presbyterian Hospital on Saturday, several weeks after he suffered a heart attack. An official statement on his website reads, “ It is with great sadness that we announce that Bo has passed away. Bo loved hearing from his fans all 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.”

Born in Greenville, South California in 1942, Hopkins served in the U.S Army at the age of 16 before making his debut in feature films as the unforgettable character “Crazy Lee” in the 1969 western film, “The Wild Bunch.” Following his success, director Sam Peckinpah hired him for another supporting role as a bank robber in “The Getaway.” He changed his name from “William” to “Bo” in reference to the character he played in his first Broadway play, “Bus Stop.” He played several supporting key roles in a number of major studio films between the years 1969 and 1979. His remarkable performance in George Lucas’ “American Graffiti” as a villain earned him recognition and credit across the film industry.

Apart from his roles in “American Graffiti” and “Wild Bunch”, Hopkins was also lauded for his performances in ‘White Lightning” (1973), “The Man who loved Cat Dancing” ( 1973) “Posse” (1975), and Quentin Tarantino’s “Dusk to Dawn 2: Texas Blood Money (1999). His last performance was in the film “Hillibilly Elegy” directed by Ron Howard where he was reunited with his “American Graffiti” co-star.


Hopkins is survived by his wife Sian Eleanor Green and his children Matthew and Jane Hopkins.