Bill McKinney was an American actor who is best known for his roles in Deliverance, First Blood, and The Outlaw Josey Wales. He gained fame as a notable on-screen villain and had a lengthy and varied career in film and television.
Personal and Family Life
Born on September 12, 1931, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Bill McKinney had a challenging childhood, moving frequently and facing hardships. He joined the Navy at the age of 19 during the Korean War, which shaped his future aspirations in acting. He later settled in California, where he studied at the Pasadena Playhouse and worked as an arborist while pursuing his acting career.
Career Highlights
McKinney’s acting career began in the late 1960s, with his breakthrough role coming in the film Deliverance (1972), which made him a well-known figure in Hollywood. He collaborated with renowned directors such as Clint Eastwood in films like The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976) and maintained a steady presence in both films and popular TV shows throughout the decades. His memorable performances and dedication to his craft left a significant mark on the industry.
Death and Legacy
Bill McKinney passed away on December 1, 2011, in San Fernando, California, due to esophageal cancer at the age of 80. His legacy as a skilled character actor and iconic villain in cinema continues to be celebrated by fans of his work.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| First Blood | 1982-10-22 | State Police Capt. Dave Kern |
| Deliverance | 1972-08-18 | Mountain Man |
| The Outlaw Josey Wales | 1976-06-30 | Terrill |
| Cannonball | 1976-07-06 | Cade Redman |
| She Freak | 1967-05-03 | Steve St. John |
| Breakheart Pass | 1975-12-09 | Reverend Peabody |
| Thunderbolt and Lightfoot | 1974-05-23 | Crazy Driver |
| Carny | 1980-05-23 | Marvin Dill |
| Cleopatra Jones | 1973-07-13 | Purdy |
| The Shootist | 1976-07-21 | Cobb |
| The Outfit | 1973-10-19 | Buck |
| Tex | 1982-07-30 | Pop McCormick |
| Heart Like a Wheel | 1983-04-01 | “Big Daddy” Don Garlits |
| Take | 2008-07-25 | Benjamin Gregor |
| Undertow | 2004-10-22 | Grandfather |
| The Parallax View | 1974-06-14 | Parallax Assassin |
| The Gauntlet | 1977-12-17 | Constable |
| Rocky | 2006-05-22 | Mr. Hill |
| Love, Cheat & Steal | 1993-12-05 | Kolchak |
| Kinjite: Forbidden Subjects | 1989-02-03 | Father Burke |
| Junior Bonner | 1972-08-02 | Red Terwiliger |
| Under the Gun | 1988-04-25 | Miller |
| City Slickers II: The Legend of Curly’s Gold | 1994-06-10 | Matt |
| Back to the Future Part III | 1990-05-25 | Engineer |
| The Green Mile | 1999-12-10 | Jack Van Hay |