Earl Holliman, a renowned actor known for his Golden Globe-winning performance and roles in the inaugural episode of “The Twilight Zone” and NBC’s “Police Woman,” passed away on November 25 at his Studio City, California residence. He was 96 years old.
Craig Curtis, Holliman’s spouse, confirmed the actor’s death, stating that Holliman passed while under hospice care.
Holliman was born as Henry Earl Holliman on September 11, 1928, in Delhi, Louisiana. He was adopted just a week after his birth, having been placed in an orphanage. Holliman’s adoptive parents purchased the sickly infant for $7.50. “I had wonderful parents who gave me all the love in the world. They encouraged me to be whatever I can be. I was their only child,” he once remarked.
At the age of 14, following his father’s death, Holliman hitchhiked from Texarkana, Texas to Hollywood, California, marking the start of his acting journey. However, he was persuaded to return home where he became the senior class president at Oil City High School without abandoning his acting aspirations.
After serving in the U.S. Navy, Holliman studied at the Pasadena Playhouse. He experienced his breakthrough in 1956 after securing a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Katharine Hepburn’s spirited younger brother in “The Rainmaker” – a role he won over Elvis Presley.
Holliman’s film career thrived, with notable appearances in “Giant” (1956) alongside Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson, “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral” (1957) with Burt Lancaster, and “The Sons of Katie Elder” (1965) with John Wayne.
Television offered Holliman lasting fame. He made history by starring in the premiere “Twilight Zone” episode, titled “Where Is Everybody?” that aired on October 2, 1959. He portrayed an amnesiac wandering through a desolate town.
He is best remembered for his role as Lieutenant Bill Crowley on “Police Woman” (1974-1978), where he played the superior officer to Angie Dickinson’s character.
Besides a successful acting career, Holliman operated the Fiesta Dinner Theatre in San Antonio and was president of Actors and Others for Animals for 34 years. He was also recognized for his humanitarian efforts as the national honorary chairman for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.
His television roles also include appearances on “Gunsmoke,” “Bonanza,” “The Fugitive,” “Murder, She Wrote,” and “Empty Nest.” Holliman also earned a Golden Globe nomination in 1993 for his role in the ABC series “Delta,” which starred Delta Burke.
In a reflection from Variety when Holliman was 85, his spouse Curtis depicted him as a gracious and considerate friend, an excellent host, and a man whose steadfast positivity was as radiant as a 1000-watt smile. He was described as balanced, caring, with deep sensitivity and a jocose sense of humor, contrasting his robust and handsome exterior.