The prolific and beloved character actor Phillip Baker Hall has died at 90 years of age. Known for his roles in films like Boogie Nights and Magnolia and shows such as Seinfeld and Modern Family, he had an impressive career spanning over six decades.
Hall’s wife of nearly 40 years, Holly Wolfle Hall, confirmed the news, saying he died on the 12th of June in Glendale, California, surrounded by loved ones.
His most memorable roles in film include playing the IRS Boss in Say Anything, Sydney in Hard Eight, Floyd Gondolli in Boogie Nights, Jimmy Gator in Magnolia, Jack Baylor in Bruce Almighty, Sherwood Morrill in Zodiac and a CIA director in Argo.
When it came to TV, Hall gave over 200 guest performances, including as library cop Joe Bookman on Seinfeld, Senator Matt Hunt on The West Wing, Dr. Morrison on Curb Your Enthusiasm and Walt Kleezak on Modern Family.
Born in Toledo, Ohio on September the 10th, 1931, Hall began his career as a United States Army translator in Germany and a high school teacher before pursuing acting as he entered his 40s.
His career in film really picked up during the ’80s, when he starred as Richard Nixon in Secret Honor (1984) and held supporting roles in movies like Garry Marshall’s Nothing in Common (1986), Midnight Run (1988) starring Robert De Niro, John Hughes’ classic rom-com Say Anything (1989) and Ghostbusters II (1989), in which he played the police commissioner.
Hall also began working with Paul Thomas Anderson during the decade, starring in his short film Cigarettes & Coffee in 1993, which then led to his directorial debut Hard Eight (1996) in which Hall stars alongside John C. Reilly.
Later appearing in Anderson’s films Boogie Nights (1997) and Magnolia (1999), playing an adult theatre magnate and a children’s game show host.
Hall’s career in film continued to grow in the ’90s and 2000s with films such as The Truman Show (1998), The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999), The Insider (1999), Dogville (2003), Bruce Almighty (2003), Zodiac (2007) and Argo (2012).
Phillip is survived by his wife, his brother, four daughters and four grandchildren and will be missed by his fans and family.
Image: Getty
