Michael Parks was a veteran Hollywood character actor who appeared in many films and TV shows, including Quentin Tarantino’s Death Proof. He died on May 9, 2017, at the age of 77. But what was the cause of his death?
A Mysterious Death
According to his agent, Jane Schulman of Vesta Talent Agency, the cause of death was not disclosed. She only answered, “Life,” when asked why he died. His death was announced by his friend and director Kevin Smith, who called him a “bonafide genius” and the “best actor I’ve ever known” on Instagram.
Smith also revealed that Parks had requested a full body burial at sea, which his wife attended alone following a public funeral held at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery. This unusual request added to the mystery surrounding his death.
A Prolific Career
Parks was born in Corona, California, on April 24, 1940. He started his acting career in the 1960s, appearing in anti-establishment films like Wild Seed, The Happening, and Bus Riley’s Back in Town. He was also a singer and recorded a number of songs, including the closing theme song for the 1969 series Then Came Bronson, where he played a motorcycle-riding newsman.
He worked prolifically in television, starring in series such as Gunsmoke, Perry Mason, and the Alfred Hitchcock Hour. He also played the mobster and drug-runner Jean Renault in David Lynch’s cult series Twin Peaks.
His career resurgence began in the 1990s, when he was adopted by hip directors like Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez, and Smith. He appeared in films such as From Dusk Till Dawn, Kill Bill, Grindhouse, Red State, and Tusk. He also had roles in award-winning films such as The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, Argo, and Django Unchained.
He was praised for his naturalism and versatility, playing a range of characters from a Texas ranger to a Mexican pimp to a sinister preacher to a walrus-obsessed seaman. He was likened to James Dean in his youth and was admired by many actors and filmmakers.
A Lasting Legacy
Parks left behind a lasting legacy as a character actor who could bring any role to life. He was survived by his wife, Oriana, and his son, James, who is also an actor. He was mourned by his fans and colleagues, who remembered him as a talented and unique performer.
According to Ben Affleck, who directed him in Argo, “He was like James Dean. He’s sexy and amazing and a really good actor. I saw him in Kevin Smith’s Red State as this crazy preacher.”
According to Tarantino, who cast him in several of his films, “He was my favorite living actor.”
According to Rodriguez, who worked with him in From Dusk Till Dawn and Grindhouse, “He was a true legend. A heartfelt farewell to the one and only Michael Parks.”
Death Proof Michael Parks Cause of Death remains a mystery, but his life and work will not be forgotten. He was a bonafide genius and the best actor ever known.
