‘Twilight Zone’ Actor Dead at 96

Hollywood has lost one of its golden-era stars. Earl Holliman, beloved actor and Hollywood stalwart, passed away on November 25 at his home in Studio City, Los Angeles. He was 96. His passing was confirmed by his spouse, Craig Curtis, while his niece, Theresa Mullins Harris, shared the news on social media.

“I’m very sad to report that my Uncle, Earl Holliman, passed away this afternoon after a short illness,” Harris wrote in a heartfelt Facebook post. “He was 96 years old and the last of his siblings. His dream at 5 years old of becoming a movie star came true, more than he ever could have imagined.”

From Small-Town Beginnings to Big-Screen Stardom

Born on September 11, 1928, in Delhi, Louisiana, Holliman’s journey to stardom was anything but ordinary. After a stint in the U.S. Navy, he pursued his passion for acting at the Pasadena Playhouse, a prestigious launching pad for many Hollywood legends.

In 1953, Holliman made his silver screen debut in Scared Stiff, sharing scenes with comedic icons Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. His rugged charm and versatility soon landed him roles in classics like Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957) and The Rainmaker (1956), which earned him a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor.

An Unforgettable TV Legacy

While Holliman’s film career was impressive, it was television that cemented his place in pop culture. In 1959, he starred in the inaugural episode of The Twilight Zone titled “Where Is Everybody?” The eerie, thought-provoking episode became a cornerstone of the series, and Holliman’s performance is still celebrated by fans of the show.

However, it was his role as Sgt. Bill Crowley in Police Woman (1974–1978) that made him a household name. Paired with Angie Dickinson, Holliman played the tough yet compassionate supervisor in the groundbreaking crime drama. The series was one of the first to feature a female lead in law enforcement, and Holliman’s character provided the perfect balance to Dickinson’s trailblazing role.

He also left his mark on other TV series, including Bonanza, Gunsmoke, The Fugitive, and the miniseries The Thorn Birds. From westerns to dramas, Holliman proved his versatility time and again.

A Star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame

In 2018, Holliman was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a testament to his six-decade-long contribution to the entertainment industry. Speaking at the ceremony, Holliman reflected on his career, saying, “I came from a small town, but I had big dreams. Hollywood gave me more than I ever imagined.”

His final acting role was in the 2000 thriller The Perfect Tenant. After retiring from acting, Holliman remained active in the Hollywood community, frequently attending fan conventions and sharing stories of his time in the industry.

Remembering a Hollywood Icon

Fans and colleagues alike have expressed their sorrow over Holliman’s passing. “He loved hearing from his fans,” Harris wrote. “He will be missed by all.”

As Hollywood says goodbye to one of its iconic leading men, Holliman’s legacy will endure through his extensive body of work, which continues to inspire new generations of actors and viewers alike.