Sonny Landham was an American actor who is best known for his roles in Predator, 48 Hrs., and Poltergeist.
Personal and Family Life
Born William Landham on February 11, 1941, in Canton, Georgia, Sonny Landham had a career characterized by his strong physical presence and booming voice. He was married three times, first to Belita Adams and then to Jessica Wilson, with whom he had a child. Despite his tough on-screen persona, Landham’s personal life had its challenges, including two divorces.
Career Highlights
Landham made his initial entry into film with a small role in the 1979 film The Warriors. This led to more significant roles in movies like Southern Comfort, Poltergeist, and 48 Hrs., where he played memorable characters. Throughout the 1980s, he became known for his parts in action films, particularly alongside stars like Arnold Schwarzenegger in Predator.
Death and Legacy
Sonny Landham passed away on August 17, 2017, in Lexington, Kentucky, due to congestive heart failure. He left behind a legacy as a distinctive character actor in the action genre of the 80s. His performances continue to be appreciated by fans of classic action films.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Predator | 1987-06-12 | Billy Sole |
| 48 Hrs. | 1982-12-07 | Billy Bear |
| Best of the Best 2 | 1993-03-05 | James |
| Southern Comfort | 1981-09-24 | Hunter |
| Firewalker | 1986-11-21 | El Coyote |
| Lock Up | 1989-08-04 | Chink Weber |
| The Dirty Dozen: Next Mission | 1985-02-04 | Sam Sixkiller |
| Disintegration | 2007-12-04 | Boone Cagle |
| Poltergeist | 1982-06-04 | Pool Worker |
| The A-Team | 1983-01-23 | Ryker |
| The Warriors | 1979-02-01 | Policeman in Subway Station |