Golden Globe Winner Earl Holliman of ‘The Rainmaker’ & ‘Police Woman’ Dies at 96 – Shocking News!

Earl Holliman, an actor with a rich and varied career that spanned several decades, has passed away at the age of 96. Holliman was recognized for his contributions to film, television, and theater, including a Golden Globe win for his role in “The Rainmaker” and his work on the popular TV series “Police Woman.”

Craig Curtis, Holliman’s spouse, confirmed the actor’s passing, which occurred at their Studio City residence on Monday afternoon. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

With a distinctive deep voice and a striking square-jawed appearance, Holliman made a significant impact in the entertainment industry. His acting credits include over 50 films and almost as many television shows, with a career that started back in the early 1950s.

Perhaps his most well-known role was as Lt. Bill Crowley, the tough yet charming foil to undercover cop Angie Dickinson in “Police Woman,” a series that ran from 1974 to ’78.

Holliman once shared with The Times in 1993 that his fondest memory from the show was the friendship he forged with Dickinson. He had a memorable anecdote about moving into a bare home and delaying the interior decorating, only to come back from a film project to find that Dickinson had completely furnished his home in his absence.

In 1956, Holliman’s performance in “The Rainmaker” earned him a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. He starred alongside screen legends Katharine Hepburn and Burt Lancaster.

Holliman reminisced about that experience in a 1975 interview, describing his role as Jimmy Curry, Hepburn’s character Lizzie’s brother, as his first significant co-starring part. Landing the role wasn’t easy, and he had to fight to even get an audition. However, he called working with Hepburn the highlight of his career.

In the same year, Holliman featured in “Giant” as Bob Dace, the son-in-law of characters portrayed by Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor. His other notable roles include parts in the 1957 classic “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral” and “The Sons of Katie Elder” in 1965.

Holliman also starred in the inaugural episode of “The Twilight Zone,” which premiered in October 1959. His character was a man suffering from amnesia in “Where Is Everybody?” Other TV series that he starred in include “Hotel de Paree” (1959-60) and “Wide Country” (1962-63).

In a 1993 conversation with The Times, Holliman shared his experiences of working in live television, describing it as a thrilling adrenaline rush.

He described one particular show where he was stuck in quicksand at the end of the first act. He had barely 90 seconds for a complete wardrobe change and had to be on the other side of the stage for the next act, all while maintaining character. He spoke fondly of those hectic times, suggesting that actors who had experienced live television missed such experiences.

Born on September 11, 1928, in Delhi, Louisiana, Holliman was adopted when he was just a week old, as reported by the Hollywood Reporter. He was unwell when his adoptive parents first saw him, and they immediately took him to a doctor.

As a teenager, Holliman hitchhiked to Los Angeles with the money he’d saved from working various small jobs, including a stint as a movie theater usher. After running out of money, he returned home and joined the Navy. However, upon discovering that he was only 15, the Navy discharged him.

Holliman later reenlisted and during his time stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, he participated in Navy theater productions. After his service, he returned to Los Angeles, honing his craft at UCLA and the Pasadena Playhouse.

Outside of his acting career, Holliman was a dedicated animal rights activist and served as the president of Actors and Others for Animals for many years. In 1977, his contributions to the film industry were recognized with a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.

Holliman is survived by his husband Curtis and several nieces and nephews.