Peter Jason, Beloved ‘Deadwood’ Actor and John Carpenter Collaborator, Dies at 80

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80-year-old Peter Jason, a versatile actor renowned for his roles in Deadwood and various collaborations with John Carpenter, passed away on Thursday, February 20. Throughout his long career, which stretched across decades, Jason delved into genres ranging from Westerns to horror movies and video games.

Based on reports from The Hollywood Reporter, Peter Jason passed away at his home in West Hollywood after a prolonged fight against cancer. Born on July 22, 1944, in Hollywood, California, Jason found his start in theater while studying drama at Carnegie, and his love for the stage remained strong throughout his life, with him taking part in over 150 plays. In the 60s, he made TV appearances on shows like The F.B.I, Cimarron Strip, and Here Come the Brides, and his film debut occurred in 1970 when he played a brief role in Howard Hawks’ western, Rio Lobo, as Lieutenant Forsythe.

For a significant portion of his long-spanning profession, Jason accumulated more than 250 roles in movies, TV shows, and video games. On-camera, he frequently embodied characters with military or authoritative backgrounds, such as Marshal Con Stapleton in Deadwood, Major G.F. Devin in Heartbreak Ridge, and Sergeant Major Robert King in NCIS.

Jason had a long-standing professional bond with the renowned horror director John Carpenter, featuring in many of his movies. He played Dr. Paul Leahy in “Prince of Darkness” and resistance fighter Gilbert in “They Live”. Their partnership was also evident in “In the Mouth of Madness”, “Village of the Damned”, “Escape from L.A.”, and “Ghosts of Mars”. These roles significantly boosted Jason’s popularity within the horror and sci-fi movie spheres.

On X, Carpenter paid homage to Jason, sharing:

It is with deep sadness that I share the news: Peter Jason, a beloved and respected actor in films, has passed away. Known for his debut in Howard Hawks’ movie ‘Rio Lobo’, he will be dearly missed. He was not only an exceptional talent but also a cherished friend, and his absence will be felt greatly.

Peter Jason Was a Character Actor With Incredible Versatility

Additionally, Jason worked alongside director Walter Hill for many years, featuring in films such as The Driver, The Long Riders, 48 Hours, Streets of Fire, Brewster’s Millions, Red Heat, Johnny Handsome, Wild Bill, and Undisputed (2002).

In the production of HBO’s series Deadwood, the pilot episode was overseen by Hill, who played a significant role in helping Jason land his character as Con Stapleton. This role, which Jason brought to life during Deadwood’s 2004-2006 run and again in the 2019 movie, remains one of his most impactful performances. The story unfolds in the 1870s town of Deadwood, South Dakota, where we witness the transformation of this lawless camp into a structured community. Con Stapleton’s character evolves from a card dealer to sheriff and ultimately to a reverend over the course of the series.

Jason boasts an impressive acting resume, featuring roles on shows like “Land of the Giants,” “Hawaii Five-O,” “Gunsmoke,” “One Day at a Time,” “Starsky and Hutch,” “M*A*S*H,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “Cagney & Lacey,” “The Golden Girls,” “Knots Landing,” “Roseanne,” “Coach,” “Arrested Development,” “Baskets,” and “NCIS.” He has also graced the big screen in movies such as “Arachnophobia,” “Congo,” “Mortal Kombat,” “Willow Creek,” “The Karate Kid,” “Milk,” and “Dante’s Peak.” Furthermore, he provided voiceovers for video games like “Fallout 2” and “Gears of War 2.” Prior to his passing, Jason’s last credited role was in a short film titled “A Tale of 2 Fathers.” Posthumously, he is scheduled to appear in several upcoming projects.

Jason is survived by his wife, Eileen, and daughter, singer and playwright Robin Goldwasser.

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2025-02-21 22:03