M. Emmet Walsh, an actor known for his naturalistic portrayals of unsavory characters, passed away at the age of 88 in St. Albans, Vermont. His manager, Sandy Joseph, confirmed his death.
Roger Ebert once referred to Walsh as “the poet of sleaze” for his performances as lowlifes and miscreants in various films. Ebert also coined the Stanton-Walsh Rule, which stated that any movie featuring Harry Dean Stanton or M. Emmet Walsh in a supporting role couldn’t be entirely bad.
In the 1978 film “Straight Time,” Walsh played a parole officer to Dustin Hoffman’s character. This role caught the attention of Joel and Ethan Coen, who wrote a part specifically for Walsh in their film “Blood Simple.” Walsh accepted the role, despite minimal compensation.
Walsh’s performance in “Blood Simple” was well-received, with critics praising his portrayal of a sleazy private detective. He continued to work with the Coen brothers, appearing in their film “Raising Arizona” as well.
Born in Ogdensburg, New York, Walsh pursued acting after receiving encouragement from a faculty advisor in college. He trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and spent time observing performances in New York theaters.
Over his career, Walsh appeared in over 120 films and numerous television shows. He was known for his ability to elevate subpar material and move the story along in his roles. Despite some misses, he remained proud of his body of work.
In recent years, Walsh continued to act, appearing in films like “Knives Out” and TV shows like “American Gigolo.” He was inducted into the Character Actor Hall of Fame and received a Lifetime Achievement award.
M. Emmet Walsh leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances and a dedication to his craft. He once said, “The parts are all your children. They’ll be my epitaph when they throw in that last shovelful of dirt.”
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