Sonny Landham (Predator) Dies at 76 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

JamesG · 08-18-2017, 09:20 PM

Predator and 48 Hrs. Actor Sonny Landham Dies at 76
by Maureen Lee Lenker
August 18, 2017

Sonny Landham, the Native American actor who costarred in action films Predator and 48 Hrs., has died at the age of 76. According to his sister, Landham died from congestive heart failure in a hospital in Lexington, KY, the AP reports.

Beginning his career in adult films and stunt work, Landham transitioned into acting work in the late 1970s, often drawing on his Cherokee and Seminole ancestry to portray characters of Native American descent.

His mainstream movie debut was a minor role as a subway policeman in Walter Hill’s 1979 film, The Warriors. Based on that performance, Hill cast him in his first major role as Billy Bear, one of the criminals being tracked by Nick Nolte and Eddie Murphy in 48 Hrs.

Landham’s most memorable role came opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger, portraying another Billy — Billy Sole, the Native American tracker in Predator.

He continued to appear in a minor string of action films following the success of that role. In later life, he unsuccessfully tried to start a political career, announcing campaigns for the governor of Kentucky in 2003 and for Mitch McConnell’s Senate seat in 2008.

Landham is survived by his two children.

http://ew.com/movies/2017/08/18/sonn...rs-actor-dies/

Torgo · 08-19-2017, 10:48 AM

He was great in Predator. He was also in the 1976 horror anthology Blood Bath, and the 1984 'Vietnam vet gone crazy' film Fleshburn.

Flying Dutchman · 08-24-2017, 05:50 PM

He was good in Lock Up with Sly Stallone too, as Chink Webber, the sadistic convict. Also as Phillip Rhees drunken older brother in Best of the Best 2. R. I. P. Sonny. Wonderful actor

08-18-2017, 09:20 PM	#1
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 57,136	Sonny Landham (Predator) Dies at 76 Predator and 48 Hrs. Actor Sonny Landham Dies at 76 by Maureen Lee Lenker August 18, 2017 Sonny Landham, the Native American actor who costarred in action films Predator and 48 Hrs., has died at the age of 76. According to his sister, Landham died from congestive heart failure in a hospital in Lexington, KY, the AP reports. Beginning his career in adult films and stunt work, Landham transitioned into acting work in the late 1970s, often drawing on his Cherokee and Seminole ancestry to portray characters of Native American descent. His mainstream movie debut was a minor role as a subway policeman in Walter Hill’s 1979 film, The Warriors. Based on that performance, Hill cast him in his first major role as Billy Bear, one of the criminals being tracked by Nick Nolte and Eddie Murphy in 48 Hrs. Landham’s most memorable role came opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger, portraying another Billy — Billy Sole, the Native American tracker in Predator. He continued to appear in a minor string of action films following the success of that role. In later life, he unsuccessfully tried to start a political career, announcing campaigns for the governor of Kentucky in 2003 and for Mitch McConnell’s Senate seat in 2008. Landham is survived by his two children. http://ew.com/movies/2017/08/18/sonn...rs-actor-dies/ Attached Images

08-19-2017, 10:48 AM	#2
Torgo Omaha & Fritz Forum Star Join Date: Mar 06, 2004 Location: Oregon Posts: 19,036	He was great in Predator. He was also in the 1976 horror anthology Blood Bath, and the 1984 'Vietnam vet gone crazy' film Fleshburn.
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08-24-2017, 05:50 PM	#3
Flying Dutchman Member Senior Member Join Date: Sep 16, 2004 Location: New York Posts: 1,266	He was good in Lock Up with Sly Stallone too, as Chink Webber, the sadistic convict. Also as Phillip Rhees drunken older brother in Best of the Best 2. R. I. P. Sonny. Wonderful actor
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