Actor. Stout, imposing, versatile character performer of stage and screen. He is probably best remembered for his supporting roles in three Hollywood blockbusters: "Star Wars" (1977), in which he played Rebel fighter pilot Jek Porkins; "Raiders of the Lost Ark" (1981), as one of the silky Army Intelligence officers who recruits Indiana Jones to track down the Ark of Covenant; and as the corrupt Lt. Eckhardt in "Batman" (1989). William Michael Hootkins was born in Dallas, Texas, and attended St. Mark's School, where his classmates in the theatre department included Tommy Lee Jones. He later majored in astrophysics and Asian culture at Princeton before deciding on an acting career. On the advice of his friend John Lithgow he went to England in the early 1970s to study at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, and made his home in that country for 30 years. His over 120 credits include the features "Valentino" (1977), "Bad Timing" (1980), "Flash Gordon" (1980), "Trail of the Pink Panther" (1982), "White Nights" (1985), "American Gothic" (1987), "Hardware" (1990), "A River Runs Through It" (1992), "The Island of Dr. Moreau" (1996), and "Town & Country" (2001), episodes of TV's "Tales of the Unexpected," "Cagney & Lacey," "Taxi," "Remington Steele," and "The West Wing," and in the miniseries "The Magnificent Ambersons" (as Uncle George, 2002). He also did much voice-over work and was a popular guest at sci-fi conventions, primarily because of his appearance in "Star Wars." Long active on the London stage, Hootkins enjoyed his greatest success portraying director Alfred Hitchcock in Terry Johnson's hit play "Hitchcock Blonde" (2003) at the Royal Court Theatre. He was set to reprise the role on Broadway when he passed away at 57.
Actor. Stout, imposing, versatile character performer of stage and screen. He is probably best remembered for his supporting roles in three Hollywood blockbusters: "Star Wars" (1977), in which he played Rebel fighter pilot Jek Porkins; "Raiders of the Lost Ark" (1981), as one of the silky Army Intelligence officers who recruits Indiana Jones to track down the Ark of Covenant; and as the corrupt Lt. Eckhardt in "Batman" (1989). William Michael Hootkins was born in Dallas, Texas, and attended St. Mark's School, where his classmates in the theatre department included Tommy Lee Jones. He later majored in astrophysics and Asian culture at Princeton before deciding on an acting career. On the advice of his friend John Lithgow he went to England in the early 1970s to study at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, and made his home in that country for 30 years. His over 120 credits include the features "Valentino" (1977), "Bad Timing" (1980), "Flash Gordon" (1980), "Trail of the Pink Panther" (1982), "White Nights" (1985), "American Gothic" (1987), "Hardware" (1990), "A River Runs Through It" (1992), "The Island of Dr. Moreau" (1996), and "Town & Country" (2001), episodes of TV's "Tales of the Unexpected," "Cagney & Lacey," "Taxi," "Remington Steele," and "The West Wing," and in the miniseries "The Magnificent Ambersons" (as Uncle George, 2002). He also did much voice-over work and was a popular guest at sci-fi conventions, primarily because of his appearance in "Star Wars." Long active on the London stage, Hootkins enjoyed his greatest success portraying director Alfred Hitchcock in Terry Johnson's hit play "Hitchcock Blonde" (2003) at the Royal Court Theatre. He was set to reprise the role on Broadway when he passed away at 57.
Bio by: Bobb Edwards
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William Michael Hootkins
1948 2005
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