Earl Holliman dead at 96: Forbidden Planet actor starred in first Twilight Zone episode
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Earl Holliman, the versatile actor whose career spanned over five decades and included iconic roles in both film and television, has passed away at the age of 96.
Holliman died on Monday in hospice care at his home in Studio City, as confirmed by his partner Craig Curtis 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 portrayed Katharine Hepburn's lovable, girl-crazy brother.
His role of Jim Curry, which he won over 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 O.K. Corral (1957), a classic Western that remains a fan favorite.
He also made an unforgettable appearance in the very first episode of The Twilight Zone (1959), further showcasing his range as an actor.
Earl Holliman, the versatile actor whose career spanned over five decades and included iconic roles in both film and television, has passed away at the age of 96; (pictured in 2015)
Holliman died on Monday in hospice 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 portrayed Angie Dickinson's tough, no-nonsense boss in the groundbreaking crime series Police Woman (1974), a role that made him a household name for a new generation of viewers.
Holliman's filmography includes a string 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 like Hotel de Paree and Wide Country, further establishing himself as a reliable and beloved fixture on both the big and small screens.
A true Hollywood icon, Holliman was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1977, cementing his legacy in the entertainment world.
Holliman grew up in Oil City, Louisiana, and at just 15 years old, enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II, per Variety.
While stationed in Hollywood, he rubbed elbows with stars at the famed Hollywood Canteen.
However, his true age was discovered after a year, leading to his discharge — only for him 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 portrayed Katharine Hepburn's lovable, girl-crazy brother
However, perhaps one of his most enduring roles came in the 1970s when he portrayed Angie Dickinson's tough, no-nonsense boss in the groundbreaking crime series Police Woman (1974), a role that made him a household name for a new generation of viewers
Curtis remembered him as 'a gracious, kind confidant, a consummate host, a man whose indefatigable positivity was evergreen and powered by a 1000-watt smile, an easy charm and infectious goodwill' (pictured in 1987)
Upon returning to Los Angeles, Holliman pursued acting, studying 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, an associate producer for Hal Wallis.
This encounter led to his first film role in the Martin and Lewis comedy Scared Stiff.
Curtis remembered him as 'a gracious, kind confidant, a consummate host, a man whose indefatigable positivity was evergreen and powered by a 1000-watt smile, an easy charm and infectious goodwill.'
