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How did Bo Hopkins die? 'American Graffiti' actor, 84, appeared in more than 100 films, TV roles

The actor with a wild gaze shot to fame with top movies such as ‘The Wild Bunch’, ‘American Graffiti’, ‘Midnight Express’ and ‘White Lightning’

Bo Hopkins, who was best known for his supporting roles in Hollywood timeless classics such as 'American Graffiti’ and ‘The Wild Bunch’, died on May 9. He was 84. The unfortunate news of his demise was shared by his wife Sian Hopkins to The Hollywood Reporter on Saturday, May 28. According to reports, he breathed his last at Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Van Nuys.
 
The news of Stevens' death comes months after the legendary actor and comedian Louie Anderson died on January 21. He was admitted to the hospital days earlier after being diagnosed with cancer but sadly could not make it. Bob Saget is another icon that Hollywood lost on January 9. Speaking of celebrity deaths, Betty White died at 99 of natural causes on December 31, 2021. Chick Vennera, DMX, Jay Black, and Jeanette Maus are other public figures who passed away last year leaving their loyal fans devastated.
 
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How did Bo Hopkins die?

Bo Hopkins appeared in more than 100 films and television roles in a career spanning more than 40 years. The actor with a wild gaze shot to fame with movies such as ‘The Wild Bunch’, ‘American Graffiti’, ‘Midnight Express’ and ‘White Lightning’.  Hopkins was a favorite of Sam Peckinpah, as he cast him in three features i.e. ‘The Wild Bunch’, ‘The Getaway’ and ‘The Killer Elite.’
 
Speaking of his death, Bo Hopkins’ wife confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that the actor died after he suffered a heart attack on May 9. The actor kept working in the 2000s as well and his last project came in the form of 2020's ‘Hillbilly Elegy’ opposite Glenn Close and Amy Adams. Apart from impressing with his exceptional acting skills on the big screen, Hopkins created magic on TV as well with his appearances on hit shows such as ‘Doc Elliot’, ‘Hawaii Five-O’, ‘Mod Squad’, ‘Bonanza’ and ‘Gunsmoke’ among others.

‘Bo Hopkins was an unforgettable screen presence’

Social media users paid their condolences to the actor on Twitter as one of the users said, “Bo Hopkins was an unforgettable screen presence, as if James Dean had been reincarnated as an unhinged character actor. I loved him. Rest In Peace.” Another chimed in, “Lost another brilliant character actor. Farewell Bo Hopkins.” One user posted, “WOW, I remember him from all of those. A great actor & a good looking guy. May he Rest in Peace.” The next one shared, “RIP Bo Hopkins. Even if you don't recognize the name I'm sure you've seen him. American Graffiti, Midnight Express, Wild Bunch to name a few. His IMDB page is like a CVS receipt of great character actor parts.”
 
Meanwhile, one user tweeted, “Sad to hear that Bo Hopkins has died. He was 80. R.I.P, Bo. He'll always be the leader of The Pharaohs in American Graffiti to me.” And, another concluded, “#RIP the great Bo Hopkins. He was quite the handful growing up, but when he came home to South Carolina after 'The Wild Bunch,' "that’s when everybody who said I was gonna end up in prison said they always knew [Bo] was going to make something of himself.”