Iconic actor Charles Dierkopf, known for his performances in such classics as “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,'' “The Sting,'' and “The Cop,'' died Sunday in California at the age of 87, The Hollywood Reporter (THR) said. ) reported.
Dierkop recently suffered a heart attack and pneumonia, and died from complications, his daughter Lynn confirmed. THR. The esteemed actor died at Sherman Oaks Hospital in California.
Deerkop went from an uncredited role in Hustlers (1961) co-starring Paul Newman to playing George “Flat Nose” in George Hill's film Butch Cassidy and the – Known for a variety of roles in the industry, including the unforgettable role of Curry. “Sundance Kid” (1969), THR said: Newman's collaboration with Hill didn't end there, as he co-starred again in The Sting (1973), playing Robert Shaw's bodyguard Floyd. This role further cemented his place in Hollywood as a versatile actor.
Charles Dierkopf, actor of “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” “The Sting” and “Policewoman,” dies at age 87 https://t.co/eJn5ZYwyZ7
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) February 26, 2024
Beyond his accomplishments in film, Dierkopf also made an impact on television. He starred in “Police Woman” (1974-1978), playing Detective Pete Royster. His character, a member of the Los Angeles Police Department's undercover unit, demonstrated Dierkop's ability to bring depth and verisimilitude to the role, the newspaper reported. (Related: Beloved 'Harry Potter' actor dies at 82)
Dierkopf was born on September 11, 1936 in La Crosse, Wisconsin. After he dropped out of high school to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War, he decided to pursue a career in acting, THR said. He studied in Philadelphia and then with Lee Strasberg at the Actors Studio in New York. This training paved the way for a decades-long career, with him appearing in films like Gunsmoke, Lost in Space, and Adam-12.
According to THR, Dierkopf's filmography also includes notable films such as The Sweet Ride (1968) and Messenger of Death (1988), as well as R.E.M. He also appeared in the music video for “Man on the Moon'' (1992).
