Blade Runner and Knives Out star M Emmet Walsh dies aged 88

‘Blade Runner’ star M.Emmet Walsh has died aged 88. The US actor – who portrayed Captain Bryant in the 1982 sci-fi movie – died from a cardiac arrest on Tuesday (19.03.24) at Kerbs Memorial Hospital in St Albans, Vermont, his manager has confirmed.

M.Emmet Walsh, the legendary actor known for his iconic roles in films like “Blade Runner,” “Blood Simple,” and “Knives Out,” kicked the bucket at 88 from a heart attack in Vermont. Director Rian Johnson fondly remembered Walsh as a generous soul, recalling . How he would give crew members two-dollar bills, advising them, “Don’t spend it and you’ll never be broke.”

Throughout his remarkable career spanning over six decades and more than 220 film and TV roles, Walsh became a beloved figure on screen. He started in “Alice’s Restaurant” in 1969 . He gained fame for roles like Harrison Ford’s LAPD boss in “Blade Runner” and the dark detective in the Coen brothers’ “Blood Simple.”

Walsh’s talent for both menacing and comedic roles was evident in films like “Raising Arizona” and “The Jerk.” He was praised for his ability to bring depth and authenticity to every character he portrayed. Whether it was as a chatty co-worker in “Clean and Sober”. Or a sleazy private detective in “Blood Simple,” a role that led to Roger Ebert’s famous “Stanton-Walsh Rule.”

Filmography

In addition to his impressive filmography, Walsh made significant contributions to television, appearing in shows such as “Starsky and Hutch,” “Frasier,” and “The X-Files” over seven decades. His final on-screen appearance was in the 2024 western “Outlaw Posse.”

With 119 films and 250 TV productions to his name, M.Emmet Walsh left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Critics and audiences alike celebrated his work, with Roger Ebert once remarking that no movie featuring Walsh in a supporting role could be entirely bad.

In “Knives Out,” his portrayal of an elderly security guard alongside Daniel Craig showcased his enduring talent and charm.

M.Emmet Walsh passing leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances. And a wealth of wisdom from his long and storied career. As fans and colleagues mourn his loss, they also celebrate the incredible contributions. He made to the world of film and television.