Home / Arts and Entertainment / Actor Tom Ligon, Star of 'Bang the Drum Slowly,' Dies at 85
Actor Tom Ligon, Star of 'Bang the Drum Slowly,' Dies at 85
30 Jun
Summary
- Tom Ligon, known for 'Bang the Drum Slowly,' passed away at 85.
- He had notable roles on 'The Young and the Restless' and 'Oz.'
- Ligon also starred on Broadway and in films like 'Jump'.
Veteran actor Tom Ligon, who played the memorable character Piney Woods in the 1973 film "Bang the Drum Slowly," has died at 85. His death was announced on Monday by SAG-AFTRA New York Local. Ligon was recognized for his performance of the cowboy ballad "Streets of Laredo" in "Bang the Drum Slowly," a film starring Robert De Niro and Michael Moriarty.
Beyond his iconic baseball film role, Ligon had a diverse career. He appeared as Lucas Prentiss on the CBS soap opera "The Young and the Restless" from 1978 to 1982 and later portrayed Alvin Yood on HBO's "Oz" from 2001 to 2003.
Ligon's early career included stage work, with Broadway appearances in "Angela" and "Love Is a Time of Day" in 1969. He also starred in films such as "Jump" (1971), "The Last American Hero" (1973), and "Paint Your Wagon" (1969). His filmography also includes "Joyride" (1977) and "Cutting Class" (1989).
