You may not recognize the name Michael Parks, but if you’re a longtime fan of film and television, you’ve almost certainly seen his work.
Over the source of his nearly sixty years in the industry, Parks racked up an astonishing 147 credits.
A favorite of such modern auteurs as Quentin Tarantino, David Lynch, and Kevin Smith, Parks passed away last night at the age of 77.
His agent confirmed the news in a press release issued just moments ago.
One of Hollywood’s most highly-regarded “actor’s actors” Parks was praised throughout his career for his tremendous versatility.
Perhaps the best example of Parks’ ability to transform himself for his roles can be found in Tarantino’s Kill Bill films.
In the first installment, Parks plays grizzled Texas sheriff Earl McGraw.
In Vol. 2, he plays an aged pimp (and the title character’s mentor) named Esteban Vihaio.
Tarantino, a longtime fan of Parks’, worked with the actor on 2000’s From Dusk Till Dawn, and says he was floored by his ability to disappear into roles without the help of prosthetics or other gimmickry.
Tarantino also cast Parks in both Death Proof and Django Unchained.
Though he had been working in television since earning a role on Alfred Hitchcock Presents in 1958, Parks’ best-known work in that medium was likely his recurring role on the David Lynch cult classic Twin Peaks.
One of the millions who grew up enjoying Parks’ role in 17 different TV series was Kevin Smith, who says he was honored to cast Parks in two of his most recent films:
“Michael was, and will likely forever remain, the best actor I’ve ever known. I wrote both #RedState and @tuskthemovie FOR Parks, I loved his acting so much,” Smith tweeted moments ago.
In addition to acting, Parks was an accomplished singer, releasing eight albums acclaimed solo albums over the course of a 40-year career.
Within moments of the news of his death, Parks became a worldwide trending topic on Twitter, as tributes poured in from family, friends, and fans.
Parks is survived by his wife of 20 years, Oriana Parks.
