Peter Jason, a distinguished character actor recognized for his performances in HBO's "Deadwood" and several films directed by John Carpenter and Walter Hill, has died. He was 80 years old.
Peter Jason, celebrated for his diverse roles in television and cinema, died on Thursday without a specified cause of death, Deadline reported.
The news of Jason’s passing was shared by his longtime collaborators and friends, including the acclaimed director John Carpenter. Carpenter expressed his sorrow, describing Jason as "one of the great character actors in cinema" and a "dear friend."
Born on July 22, 1944, in Hollywood, Peter Jason grew up in Newport Beach, California. He developed a passion for acting early in life, leading him to study drama at Carnegie Mellon University.
Jason’s professional acting career began in the 1960s with appearances on popular television shows such as "Judd for the Defense," "Here Come the Brides," and "Land of the Giants." These early roles marked the start of a prolific career that would span decades.
Over the years, Jason became known for his versatility in both film and television, amassing more than 260 credits throughout his career.
Jason's early film role in "Rio Lobo" (1970) set the stage for his varied career in cinema. He appeared in significant films including "The Karate Kid" (1984), "The Hunt for Red October" (1990), "Seabiscuit" (2003), and "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom" (2018).
His television career was equally impressive, featuring roles in "Hart to Hart," "The Golden Girls," "Scarecrow and Mrs. King," and a recurring role in "Baskets" from 2017. These roles highlighted his ability to adapt to different genres and characters, endearing him to audiences and critics alike.
Perhaps his most notable role was as Con Stapleton in "Deadwood," where he appeared in 26 episodes from 2004 to 2006 and in the 2019 film continuation.
Jason frequently worked with directors John Carpenter and Walter Hill, establishing a lasting professional relationship. He appeared in seven films directed by Carpenter, including cherished projects from 1987 to 2001, and several directed by Hill.
This collaboration not only showcased Jason’s adaptability but also cemented his reputation in the industry as a trusted and skilled actor. His rapport with these filmmakers brought out some of his best performances, contributing significantly to the cult status of several films.
Notably, his work with Carpenter included roles in films that are now considered classics within the horror and sci-fi genres.
Following the announcement of his death, tributes from colleagues and fans began to pour in. Actor Billy Zane remembered Jason as "the brightest light, most generous soul and gregarious of men." Zane's emotional tribute underscored Jason's impact not just as an actor but as a person.
Matthew Asner, expressing his grief on Facebook, called Jason a "dear friend" and "one of the sweetest people on the planet," sharing his sorrow over the loss to both family and friends.
These sentiments were echoed across social media and Hollywood, where Jason's talent and kindness were remembered by many.
Peter Jason leaves behind a substantial legacy as a character actor whose extensive body of work spanned over five decades. His death is a significant loss to the film and television industry, where his contributions will be remembered for years to come.
He is survived by his wife, Eileen, with whom he shared his life and career. Although complete survivor information was not immediately available, the impact of his passing is felt by many within the community.
As the film and television community mourns his loss, Peter Jason's exemplary career will undoubtedly continue to inspire aspiring actors and filmmakers.
