Philip Baker Hall, one the greatest Hollywood character actors, has passed away. He was 90. Hall is best known for his appearance as a guest on the Greatest Showmanship in Television. Seinfeld He was a library researcher, and also played memorable roles in Paul Thomas Anderson’s films. Hard Eight, Magnolia, Boogie Nights.
Los Angeles TimesSam Farmer, journalist, announced Hall’s passing. “My neighbor, friend, and one of the wisest, most talented, and kindest people I’ve ever met, Philip Baker Hall, died peacefully last night,” Farmer wrote. “He was surrounded by loved ones. The world has an empty space in it.”
Holly Wolfe Hall Hall, Hall’s wife, confirmed the news. Associated Press. She said that he was well-behaved until his passing in Glendale in California. “His voice at the end was still just as powerful,” Wolfe Hall said. Hall is survived by his four daughters and four grandchildren as well as his brother.
Hall was born Sept. 10, 1931 in Toledo, Ohio. He also served in the U.S. Army as a translator in Germany. His film debut was in 1970 when he appeared in Zabriskie Point Love-in ’72. In the 1970s, he was an actor in numerous movies and TV shows. Falcon Crest, Ghostbusters II, Matlock, Mariah, Cagney & Lacey, Coma, Samurai, M*A*S*H, Midnight Run. In the one-man play, President Richard Nixon was one of his most well-known roles in 1980s. Secret Honor. He played the same role in Robert Altman’s 1984 film.
Hall first appeared in the New Yorker in 1991. Seinfeld Episode “The Library,”One of the most bizarre episodes of the show’s early run. He was Lt. Joe BookmanJack Webb’s character, a New York Public Library investigator who took his job seriously. Dragnet. Bookman appeared only in one episode. “The Finale,”Hall has many friends who are like this character. He was a collaborator with Hall. Seinfeld Larry David, co-creator of Dr. Morrison, has again played the role in two Curb Your Enthusiasm episodes.
“It’s been over 20 years since we shot that episode, and I still can’t go out in public for very long before someone says ‘My god, it’s Bookman!’ Or: ‘Are you Bookman? I returned that library book, I swear,'”Hall told Rolling Stone 2014 “It’s not just in New York or L.A.; it’s happened in a mall in the Midwest or even other countries where they air the show. The guy made an impression.”
Hall’s careerHis life took an unexpected twist when he met Anderson. The future There will be bloodHall was on set for a PBS film, and Hall agreed to have coffee. Anderson’s short film, 1993 was born from the meeting. Cigarettes & Coffee. Anderson gave Hall his first movie role as a star three years later. Hard Eight. Hall played Sydney (a card hustler) who takes John C. Reilly’s young protégé under his wing. Anderson also cast Hall. Boogie NightsAnd Magnolia.
Hall has many other credits Bruce Allmighty. Dogville. The Zodiac. Zodiac. The West Wing. Monk. Boston Legal. You Kill Me. People Like Us. 50/50. Bad Words. Argo. BoJack Horseman. Air Force One. Madam Secretary. Rush Hour. The Truman Show. The Insider. In the Netflix series, Zelman Katz was his final role. Messiah. Â
