David Huddleston was an American actor, famous for his roles in The Big Lebowski, Blazing Saddles, and The Producers. Born on September 17, 1930, in Vinton, Virginia, he enjoyed a diverse acting career that spanned several decades until his passing on August 2, 2016, in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Personal and Family Life
David Huddleston was married twice. His first marriage to Carole Ann Swart lasted from 1968 until her death in 1987, and he later married Sarah C. Koeppe in 1999. He had one son, Michael Huddleston. David grew up in Virginia, where he also attended Fork Union Military Academy before serving four years in the U.S. Air Force.
Career Highlights
Huddleston had a diverse career in film and television, portraying a variety of characters, from villains to comedic figures. He is perhaps best remembered for his performances as Benjamin Franklin in “1776” and as Santa Claus in “Santa Claus: The Movie.” He often collaborated with actor Jeff Bridges, playing characters that swindled him in two notable films: Bad Company and The Big Lebowski.
Death and Legacy
David Huddleston passed away on August 2, 2016, due to kidney and lung disease. His wife, Sarah, mentioned that he regarded his role as Benjamin Franklin in the Broadway production of “1776” as his crowning achievement. His contributions to film and theater left a lasting legacy, and he is remembered for his unique characters and performances.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Big Lebowski | 1998-03-06 | The Big Lebowski |
| Postal | 2007-10-18 | Peter |
| Nati con la camicia | 1983-02-01 | Tiger, Chef des C.I.A. |
| I due superpiedi quasi piatti | 1977-04-01 | Captain McBride |
| Bad Company | 1972-10-08 | Big Joe |
| Santa Claus: The Movie | 1985-10-29 | Santa Claus |
| The Producers | 2005-12-25 | Judge |
| Blazing Saddles | 1974-02-07 | Olson Johnson |
| Brian’s Song | 1971-11-30 | Ed McCaskey |
| The Oklahoma City Dolls | 1981-01-23 | J.D. Hines |