Emmet Walsh, the character actor who brought his unmistakable face and unsettling presence to films including "Blood Simple" and "Blade Runner," has died at age 88, his manager said Wednesday.
Walsh died from cardiac arrest on Tuesday at a hospital in St. Albans, Vermont, his longtime manager Sandy Joseph said.
The ham-faced, heavyset Walsh often played good old boys with bad intentions, as he did in one of his rare leading roles as a crooked Texas private detective in the Coen brothers' first film, the 1984 neo-noir "Blood Simple."
Joel and Ethan Coen said they wrote the part for Walsh, who would win the first Film Independent Spirit Award for best male lead for the role.
Emmet Walsh top films
Paul Walsh, a versatile character actor, gained recognition through various roles in iconic films and television shows spanning decades. He starred in notable movies such as "Midnight Cowboy," "Serpico," and "Blade Runner," showcasing his range from comedy to drama.
Walsh won the inaugural Independent Spirit Award for his role in "Blood Simple" and appeared in diverse roles in films like "Fletch" and "Romeo + Juliet." His television work included guest appearances on popular shows like "Home Improvement" and "NYPD Blue." Renowned for his ability to propel the narrative and support lead actors, Walsh was honored in 2018 with induction into the Character Actor Hall of Fame. He described his approach as focused on advancing the storyline, emphasizing his commitment to supporting the ensemble.
