A representative has verified to Variety that Joe Turkel, a renowned character actor best remembered for his work in “The Shining” and “Blade Runner,” passed away on Monday at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, California. He was 94.
Turkel is a well-known actor with over 100 credits to his name in a variety of movies and TV shows. He is best known for his supporting parts in three Stanley Kubrick movies, including “The Killing,” “Paths of Glory,” and “The Shining,” where he played the frequently parodied character of the ghostly bartender Lloyd. In addition, he played the eccentric replicant inventor Eldon Tyrell in the original 1982 “Blade Runner,” which featured him prominently.
Turkel, who was born in Brooklyn in 1927, enlisted in the American Army at the age of 17 and served during World War II in Europe. He relocated to California after the war to pursue acting, and in 1948 he received his first film credit for “City Across the River.”
Turkel put in a lot of effort over the following four decades, producing such well-known movies as “King Rat,” “The Sand Pebbles,” “The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre,” and his final feature, “The Dark Side of the Moon.” Additionally, he made appearances in “Tormented,” “The Boy and the Pirates,” and “Village of the Giants,” all directed by Bert I. Gordon.
The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp, Sky King, Tales from the Darkside, The Lone Ranger, S.W.A.T., Adam-12, Ironside, The Andy Griffith Show, Ben Casey, “The Untouchables,” “Dragnet,” “Miami Vice,” and “Bonanza” are just a few of the popular TV shows he appeared in. A 1997 video game spinoff of “Blade Runner” was his last accomplishment before quitting.
Turkel finished writing a memoir called “The Misery of Success” before he passed away, and his family intends to publish it this year.
David Turkel, Turkel’s brother, and his two sons and two daughters-in-law survive him.
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