Edward Bunker was an American actor and writer who is best known for Reservoir Dogs, Runaway Train, and The Longest Yard. He was born on December 31, 1933, in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, and passed away on July 19, 2005, in Burbank, California.
Personal and Family Life
Edward Bunker had a tumultuous upbringing that led him to a life of crime from an early age. He was married to Jennifer Steele, with whom he had one child, but their marriage ended in divorce. Bunker’s experiences in the criminal justice system significantly influenced his writing and acting career.
Career Highlights
Bunker was not only known for his work in front of the camera but also for his contributions behind the scenes. He worked as a prison technical advisor on the film Heat, helping actors portray the behavior of ex-convicts accurately. Bunker also wrote the novel “No Beast So Fierce,” which was adapted into the film Straight Time, earning critical acclaim.
Death and Legacy
Edward Bunker passed away due to complications following surgery intended to improve circulation in his legs. His life story, marked by crime and redemption, has inspired many filmmakers and writers. His profound impact on the portrayal of prison life and the criminal underworld continues to resonate in popular culture.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Reservoir Dogs | 1992-09-02 | Mr. Blue |
| The Running Man | 1987-11-13 | Lenny |
| Champion | 2005-03-12 | Self |
| Runaway Train | 1985-11-15 | Jonah |
| Tango & Cash | 1989-12-22 | Capt. Holmes |
| Animal Factory | 2000-10-13 | Buzzard |
| Shy People | 1987-05-14 | Chuck |
| Last Light | 1993-08-22 | Chess Player |
| Distant Cousins | 1993-05-16 | Mr. Benson |
| Best of the Best 2 | 1993-03-05 | Spotlight Operator |
| Fear | 1988-01-01 | Lenny |
| Straight Time | 1978-03-18 | Mickey |
| Relentless | 1989-08-30 | Cardoza |
| 13 Moons | 2002-08-30 | Hoodlum |
| Caméléone | 1996-10-09 | Sid Dembo |
| The Longest Yard | 2005-05-27 | Skitchy Rivers |
| Best of the Best | 1989-11-10 | Stan |
| Family Secrets | 2001-01-01 | Douglas Marley |
| Slow Burn | 1986-06-29 | George |
| Venus & Vegas | 2010-11-01 | Micky the Calc |
| Somebody to Love | 1994-09-27 | Jimmy |
| The Long Riders | 1980-05-16 | Chadwell |
| Miracle Mile | 1988-05-19 | Nightwatchman |
| The Making of ‘Heat’ | 2005-02-22 | Self |
| Reservoir Dogs: Playing It Fast & Loose | 2006-10-24 | Self (archive footage) |
| High Hopes | 2006-03-24 | Big Joe |
| Nobody Wants Your Film | 2005-05-06 | Self |
| Love, Cheat & Steal | 1993-12-05 | Old Con |
| Fallen Angels | 1993-08-01 | Sailor |
| Hunter | 1984-09-18 | Hitman |