Posted on 01/21/2004 6:29:04 AM PST by Johnny_Cipher
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. - Noble Willingham, who worked steadily as a supporting actor over the last 30 years and left his role as a saloon owner on the series "Walker, Texas Ranger" to run for Congress, has died. He was 72.
Willingham died Saturday at his Palm Springs home, his manager, Sandy Josephs, said Tuesday. He died of natural causes, according to the Riverside County coroner's office.
He played barkeep C.D. Parker on "Walker, Texas Ranger" from 1993-99. His character was a former Texas Ranger who provided advice on cases to Ranger Cord Walker, played by series star Chuck Norris.
Willingham was the 2000 Republican nominee for a congressional seat in eastern Texas, but lost to Democrat Max Sandlin.
Willingham's "distinctive voice and warmly gruff manner" helped him bring authority figures to life, Josephs said.
He was among the local Texans hired when "The Last Picture Show" (1971) was filmed on location by director Peter Bogdanovich (news). His other film credits included "Paper Moon" (1973); "Chinatown" (1974); "Good Morning, Vietnam" (1987); City Slickers" (1991); "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective" (1994) and "Up Close and Personal" (1996).
A native of Mineola, Texas, Willingham pursued his dream of acting after earning a master's degree at Baylor University and working as a teacher.
He returned to acting after his failed congressional campaign, filming "Blind Horizon" with star Val Kilmer (news) in 2002. The movie is scheduled to be released this year.
A visitation was planned for Wednesday, with another to be held Thursday.
It was nice knowing you, C.D. One of the few people whose autograph I genuinely wanted but never got.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.