Charles Dierkop Cause Of Death, Obituary: What Happened to ‘The Sting’, ‘Butch Cassidy’ Actor? Funeral
Charles Dierkop, a veteran actor who appeared in classic films like ‘The Sting’ and ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’, as well as the popular TV series ‘Police Woman’, passed away on February 25, 2024, at the age of 87. He died at a Los Angeles hospital due to complications from pneumonia and a heart attack. He is survived by his daughter Lynn.
Dierkop was known for his rugged features and tough-guy roles, often playing villains, henchmen, and outlaws. He worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, such as Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Robert Shaw, and Angie Dickinson. He also had a memorable guest role on the original ‘Star Trek’ series, playing an alien accused of murder.
Quick Info, Death Date
| Full name | Charles Richard Dierkop |
| Date of birth | September 11, 1936 |
| Place of birth | La Crosse, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Date of death | February 25, 2024 |
| Place of death | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Cause of death | Complications from pneumonia and a heart attack |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1961-2016 |
| Spouse | Joan Addis (1958-1974) |
| Children | 2 (Lynn and a son) |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Unknown |
Early Life and Career
Charles Dierkop was born on September 11, 1936, in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He developed an interest in acting at a young age and participated in school plays and local theater productions. He moved to Los Angeles in the late 1950s to pursue his acting dream and landed his first film role in 1961, playing an uncredited pool room hood in ‘The Hustler’, starring Paul Newman.
He continued to work steadily in both film and television, appearing in shows like ‘The Andy Griffith Show’, ‘Batman’, ‘The Fugitive’, ‘The Wild Wild West’, and ‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.’ He also had roles in movies like ‘The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre’, ‘The Legend of Lylah Clare’, and ‘Night of the Cobra Woman’.
Breakthrough Roles
Dierkop’s breakthrough came in 1969, when he was cast as Flat Nose Curry, a member of the notorious Wild Bunch gang, in ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’, one of the most successful and acclaimed westerns of all time. The film starred Paul Newman and Robert Redford as the titular outlaws, who flee from the law across the American West and South America. He had the opportunity to work with Newman again, as well as director George Roy Hill and writer William Goldman.
In 1973, Charles Dierkop reunited with Hill, Newman, and Redford for another blockbuster hit, ‘The Sting’, a caper film set in the 1930s. He played Floyd, the bodyguard of the ruthless crime boss Doyle Lonnegan, played by Robert Shaw. The film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay.
Profile
TV Stardom
Dierkop’s most prominent role on television was as Detective Pete Royster, a member of the LAPD’s Criminal Conspiracy Unit, on ‘Police Woman’, which ran from 1974 to 1978. The show starred Angie Dickinson as Sergeant Suzanne “Pepper” Anderson, one of the first female police officers on prime time TV. He appeared in every episode of the show, providing comic relief and support to Dickinson’s character.
Charles Dierkop also guest-starred on many other popular TV shows, such as ‘Star Trek’, ‘Kung Fu’, ‘Mannix’, ‘Kojak’, ‘Fantasy Island’, ‘The Fall Guy’, ‘MacGyver’, and ‘ER’. He also had a cameo in the music video for R.E.M.’s ‘Man on the Moon’, a tribute to comedian Andy Kaufman.
Later Years and Death
Charles Dierkop continued to act until the late 2010s, appearing in several low-budget and independent films, such as ‘Silent Night, Deadly Night’, ‘Heaven & Hell’, and ‘The Last Champion’. His last credited role was in 2018, in the latter film, playing a wrestling coach.
He died on February 25, 2024, at a hospital in Los Angeles, after suffering from pneumonia and a heart attack. He was 87 years old. His daughter Lynn confirmed his death and said that he was “a wonderful father and a great actor”.
Dierkop’s fans and colleagues paid tribute to him on social media, remembering him as a talented and versatile actor who left a mark on both film and television. He will be missed by many who admired his work and enjoyed his performances.
Filmography
| Year | Film | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1961 | The Hustler | Pool Room Hood (uncredited) |
| 1967 | The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre | Gangster |
| 1969 | Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid | Flat Nose Curry |
| 1973 | The Sting | Floyd |
| 1974-1978 | Police Woman | Detective Pete Royster |
| 1976 | Silent Night, Deadly Night | Killer Santa |
| 1984 | The Fall Guy | Sheriff |
| 1992 | Man on the Moon | Himself (cameo) |
| 2018 | The Last Champion | Coach |
Charles Dierkop was an actor who appeared in classic films like ‘The Sting’ and ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’, as well as the popular TV series ‘Police Woman’. He died on February 25, 2024, at the age of 87, due to complications from pneumonia and a heart attack. He is survived by his daughter Lynn. He was known for his rugged features and tough-guy roles, often playing villains, henchmen, and outlaws. He worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, such as Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Robert Shaw, and Angie Dickinson. He also had a memorable guest role on the original ‘Star Trek’ series, playing an alien accused of murder. He was a versatile and prolific actor who left a legacy of memorable performances.
