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Sam Bottoms Obituary
Bottoms, one of four actor-brothers, died Tuesday of brain cancer at his home in Los Angeles, wife Laura Bickford said.
In "Apocalypse Now," Francis Ford Coppola's 1979 Vietnam War epic, Bottoms played pro surfer-turned-soldier Lance B. Johnson, who takes to the waves amid bombs and bullets under the orders of the maniacal, surfing-mad Lt. Col. Bill Kilgore played by Robert Duvall.
"He was a handsome, tall young man and very sweet-natured and seemed to be right for that part," Coppola said Wednesday. "Sam was a good actor. Of course, he comes from a family that had a lot of theatrical activity."
In his 1971 film debut, a 15-year-old Bottoms starred alongside his best-known brother, Timothy, in "The Last Picture Show," playing a mute and mentally handicapped boy forced by friends to l ose his virginity to a prostitute.
Sam Bottoms said he was in Texas to visit his brother, who was the film's lead, when director Peter Bogdanovich saw him and cast him in the part.
Brothers Joseph and Ben are also actors.
Sam Bottoms was born in Santa Barbara in 1955, the third of four sons of sculptor James "Bud" Bottoms. He began acting in local theater at age 10.
After his 1970s films, Sam Bottoms went on to appear in the Clint Eastwood westerns "The Outlaw Josey Wales" and "Bronco Billy," and Coppola's 1987 Vietnam film "Gardens of Stone."
He more recently appeared in the films "Seabiscuit" and "Shopgirl."
He is survived by his three brothers, his parents and his wife.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
60 Entries
By Meredith Bennett
July 16, 2022
He was so good in Josey Wales, perhaps the best in the movie. During the short time he was in it, he truly grabbed my attention as an actor. I'm so late in knowing that he had passed, and I am so sorry. He was a joy to watch.
October 14, 2019
So young. It breaks my heart.
Rick aka Haddy Hadlock
February 16, 2019
a great friend, rest in peace!
Paul Demars
October 25, 2018
RIP
How you can show support
Leslie Kerins
October 13, 2018
LOVELY SWEET SOUL, JUST SAW ON JOSEY WALES.
,he's heart touching. BLESSING...
Beth
February 21, 2018
RIP
Alix Sulivan
February 11, 2017
So sad to lose such a fine actor in the prime of his life.
Ian & Carol Collins
March 29, 2016
God Bless you and your Family REST IN PEASE , Carol & Ian UK
Ten Bears
March 14, 2015
I remember your line: Josey, I'm proud as a game roster to have rid with yah.
Jan C
November 26, 2014
I met Sam during the filming of Bronco Billy while he was practicing his rope tricks at a city park. I have just now learned of his passing. He was a sweet soul, and it showed right at first glance. God always takes the sweetest ones earliest. I hope the family has found peace.
November 21, 2014
Glad to have rode with Ya Jamie..
August 12, 2014
Small but mighty roll in the last picture show!
A Fan of A.N.
November 11, 2013
"Celluloid heroes never really die". Rest in Peace, Lance.
Sharon Stout Becker
November 4, 2011
Although it has been many years I must say that my fondest childhood memories are of going to the Bottoms house and playing with the" Bottoms Boys ". I fondly remember Sam's kind and quite nature and oh those blond curls! He was such a beautiful boy.I'm sorry that this comes so late but please accept my sincere heartfelt condolence on the loss of Sam.Please know that I am thinking of you and your family.May you find comfort in the memories you have of Sam.I pray that God will comfort you and heal your broken heart. Sincerly, Sharon Stout Becker
Cindy Pocius
June 3, 2011
My deepest sympathy to a family I so fondly remember.
Cindy Barr Pocius
Julia de la Serna
January 29, 2011
With deepest sympathy for his family, and vivid memories of his acting career, from far-away Argentina, I send this humble tribute to one of my favorite actors.
C. M.
September 27, 2010
May the God of comfort and tender mercies continue to comfort your family and friends, and may you find comfort in the words found in the Holy Scriptures: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."" Please accept my sincere condolences during this time of your loss.
August 30, 2010
To the family: May the comfort from family and friends continue to strengthen you, and may you find comfort in the words found in the Holy Scriptures: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."
David Mixon
July 1, 2010
I will always remember you as the shot up kid in Outlaw Josey Wales singing "The rose of Alabama" and saying "Whipped em again Jose." Such a kind face. You left us too soon.
robbie bentley
June 18, 2010
sam, I didn't know you well,met you once with tim and bud and katie. That was way back in he 80 s.you seemed so bright and filled with energy. You shall be missed,but rest assured,you left your mark in this life. Peace brother. Robbie,marina four santa barbara
April 3, 2010
For Sam...who had small but memorable roles in the 1970s classics "Apocalypse Now" and "The Last Picture Show,"
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
diane
December 27, 2009
never thought i'd be writing in the guest book of a celebrity, but i just learned of sam's death. of the many things i could say, i'll just mention what a kick i got out of that People magazine (?) article with a photo of the naked Bottoms family ringing the rim of a real wood hot tub. that was such a transforming moment for me. i learned that families don't have to follow convention, even though mine did. I share your grief & wish you all love.
Kathy
November 10, 2009
Sam~May you rest in peace, you were always a favorite.
Kathy Campbell
November 10, 2009
Rest In Peace Sam...you were always a favorite.
Ron Rabone
May 19, 2009
Rest In Peace Sam. What A Great Movie The Last Picture Show Was.
Gary Nixon
May 14, 2009
Goodbye Sam. Loved The Last Picture Show.Rest In Peace My Friend.
SUGAR XYLER
May 2, 2009
I REALIZED THAT THE GREATEST GIFTS ARE THE ONES YOU CAN'T KEEP FOREVER AFTER LOSING MY RAUL JULIA.I WISH TIMOTHY ALL THE BEST AND OUR THOUGHTS ARE WITH HIM.WE CERTAINLY WILL MISS SAM.
Sharon Hitchcock
January 26, 2009
I fondly remember Sam in "The Last Picture Show" so many years ago. I have loved watching him and his talented brothers since then. I only found out of his death last night on the SAG awards when they showed pictures of those who passed away in 2008. My most sincere sympathy to his family. He will be sadly missed by many.
N G
January 16, 2009
Every year my family gathers to watch The Outlaw Josey Wales. Sam Bottoms played his sweet character, Jamie, perfectly, and warms our hearts every time. A talented soul. "we got no complaints"...
Larry Bradford
December 31, 2008
Words alone cannot express how sorry I am to hear the shocking news about Sam. Please accept my condolences. May you find peace with the passing of time. As you work through the tears, pain and grief of the sudden loss of a loved one, it is good to remember that there is much rejoicing and many happy reunions in heaven. Praying for great comfort, peace and healing for family, friends and everyone who was fortunate enough to know Sam. Fans like myself only got to see him through the bright light of his talent and admire his work. I can only imagine what a joy it must have been to know the real Sam Bottoms.
"...sleep in heavenly peace..."
Jeff Bottoms
December 28, 2008
To the family, so sorry for your loss. May God be with you during this time.
Native Houstonian
December 28, 2008
We really enjoyed Mr. Bottoms' acting. We are grateful for the entertainment. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. RIP.
kathy burr
December 23, 2008
my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, I know that sam is looking down upon us as an angel. to his brother our friend joseph we are thinking of you here at Ocean Mesa and may god bless you.
Tina Watson
December 23, 2008
I was shocked and sorry to hear of the loss of Sam Bottoms, he was a truly exceptional actor. My condolences to the family.
Mike Mundy & Family
December 22, 2008
Our deepest sympathys to your family. We remember him especially from the movie Josie Wales.
Scott Cochran
December 22, 2008
So sorry for your loss. God bless.
Randolph Hays
December 22, 2008
Our deepest condolences to the Bottoms' family at this sad time. The character 'Lance' is one of my favorites.
December 22, 2008
Help From God
The Bible assures us: “God is near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.”
He will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.
May the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, give you all the needed strength to endure in this time of such deep sorrow.
Paul Cox
December 22, 2008
Gone to surf! How very sad. An underestimated talent. He will live on in his films.
Susan W.
December 20, 2008
I have always enjoyed seeing the Bottoms Brothers in movies and shows and want to extend my deepest sympathy to Sam's entire family. It is such a shame for a man to pass away in the prime of his life. At least we have the legacy of his films so he will always be remembered.
Christian N.
December 20, 2008
May the family be comforted knowing that Sam is no longer suffering in pain. He is truly resting peacefully now. I will miss his work.
Anne
December 20, 2008
My condolences to your wife and family.You were a great talent.You will be missed.May you rest in peace.Anne. Florida
teresa cruz
December 20, 2008
god called home another angel....such a great actor he will be missed dearly!!!!thoughts and prayers go out to the bottoms family during their lost ....rest in peace sam .....
A christian friend
December 19, 2008
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family. I'm am so sorry for your loss, He was a great actor, May God Bless you all.
Gail Siegel
December 19, 2008
To The Family of Sam Bottoms:
I wish to express my sincere sympathy for the loss of Sam.
Rest In Peace, Sam.
STAN SMITH
December 19, 2008
A great actor. Godspeed Sam.
SHEILA SMITH
December 19, 2008
Thank you for sharing your talent. Rest in Peace Sam.
Harry Simpson
December 19, 2008
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
New Orleans, LA
December 19, 2008
With deepest sympathy to the family. Such a great actor and much admired. Our prayers are with you
angie u
December 19, 2008
I would to offer my condolences for your loss and to let you know that we all have lost out on a great actor. You all are in our prayers.
Angie U. in Virginia
louis carwell
December 19, 2008
Sam's role in apocalypse now was great, rest in peace Sam and god bless.
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
December 19, 2008
Heart felt sympathy to the Bottoms family and friends in your loss.
D. ZIMMERMAN
December 19, 2008
REST IN PEACE SAM BOTTOMS
Terri Lynn Davis
December 18, 2008
So sorry to read of Sam's passing. he was truly a great actor and will be missed by many. God bless his family and loved ones to help them through their time of sorrow.
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