Character actor James Gammon, who got his start in Orlando, dies at 70

[Hawkeye-X]

Source: Orlando Sentinel

James Gammon, a graduate of Orlando's Boone High School who became one of the top character actors in movies, television and theater, died Friday in Costa Mesa, Calif. He was 70, and also had a home in Ocala.

"He had cancer two and a half years ago," his wife, Nancy, said Saturday. "It came back aggressively about a month ago in his adrenal glands and liver, and he was very weak. They couldn't do surgery or chemotherapy. He decided he wanted to come home, and we did hospice."

Gammon started his career by working at Channel 6 (then with the call letters WDBO) and acting in local theater. He moved on to California, acted in TV series and made his film debut in Cool Hand Luke, the 1967 classic starring Paul Newman.
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Gammon logged more than 135 television and screen credits, from The Wild Wild West and Gunsmoke to Grey's Anatomy and Monk. He delivered memorable performances in Urban Cowboy, Silverado, Major League and Cold Mountain. He played Don Johnson's father on Nash Bridges.

Read more: http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2010-07-17/entertainment/os-james-gammon-obituary-20100717_1_james-gammon-nash-bridges-theater

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Godspeed James. I remember you as Lou in Major League I and II.

[monmouth]

1. I loved his role as Nash Bridges father. RIP Mr. Gammon, a job well done..n/t

[sarge43]

2. Second that on Major League. He hit all the keys in that role.

RIP Mr Gammon and thank you.

[Strelnikov_]

5. Yep, Major League n/t

[Botany]

9. He was great!

[sarge43]

13. I'm going to watch Major League again

for the scene where he pees all over Dorn's contract. Perfectly done.

:rofl::applause:

[Strelnikov_]

3. . .

[Earth Bound Misfit]

4. RIP Mr Gammon & thank you.

I don't recall him in Cool Hand Luke, perhaps a non-speaking part or as an extra?

[Doctor_J]

6. We're all out of towels

:rofl:

[SunnySong]

7. He was a great one... RIP nt

[Bluenorthwest]

8. He was very good at his job.

That's a wrap Jimmy.

[lunatica]

10. Thanks for making movies better than many stars do

[Iggo]

11. James Gammon!!!

:applause:

[niyad]

12. rest in peace, james--your work brought great pleasure to so many