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Bill Erwin Obituary
Erwin, also known for his role as Arthur the bellman in the 1980 fantasy film "Somewhere in Time," died the morning of Dec. 29 at his home in suburban Los Angeles' Studio City, his son Mike Erwin said Tuesday from his Jacksonville, Ore., home.
He died of age-related causes, his son said.
"He just ran out of gas," Mike Erwin said. "He was happy to the end."
Erwin's death was first reported by the Los Angeles Times.
Erwin's Hollywood career dates back to 1941, when he appeared in the movie "You're in the Army Now." His scores of credits include roles on "The Twilight Zone," "Gunsmoke," "Perry Mason," "The Golden Girls," "Growing Pains," "Wagon Train," "The Rifleman," "The Jeff Foxworthy Show," "Who's the Boss?" and "My Name is Earl."
But his old man character Sid Fields on "Seinfeld," which got him an Emmy nomination in 1993, is perhaps his most memorable role.
Erwin studied acting at the Pasadena Playhouse and performed in stage productions around Los Angeles through the decades. He also dabbled as a cartoonist and his work was published in The New Yorker, Playboy and Los Angeles magazine.
Besides his son Mike, Erwin is survived by son Timothy Erwin, and daughters Lindsey Thomas Erwin and Kelly Erwin, all of Los Angeles; and his sister Mary Gene Cosper in San Angelo, Texas.
Plans for a public memorial service in Los Angeles were incomplete.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
33 Entries
Diana Lee
February 16, 2023
To my sweet “Arthur,” I am quite late posting this but it is heartfelt nonetheless. A huge thank you for your life and career and for sharing your talents with us. “Somewhere in Time” is such a favorite of mine and one I visit again and again. Your portrayal of Arthur was so warm and sweet and added so much to the film. Over the years I enjoyed seeing photos people would post of the yearly movie-themed gatherings at the Grand Hotel and I saw pictures of you there. I’m sure those times were amazing. The movie touched many thousands of hearts. Deepest belated condolences to the Erwin family, and thank you again for all of it. Diana Lee, Retired Studio Singer, Los Angeles
Harry Simpson
December 29, 2014
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Rest William, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
Dianne Erwin
October 6, 2011
We so enjoyed getting to meet Bill and his family when they made trips to the old Erwin hometown of Honey Grove, TX. We descend from the same pioneer ancestor, Samuel Augustus Erwin.
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Bob Borek
January 8, 2011
Our favorite Mark Twain. Talking with Bill always resulted in leaving a bright spot in our day. Bob and Mickey Borek.
Lil L
January 7, 2011
I also had the pleasure to mett Mr. Erwin at the Somewhere in Time weekend in Chicago. He was so gracious and truly seemed to enjoy himself and signing autographs and taking pictures with all of us SIT "groupies". Rest in peace now!
January 7, 2011
My wife and I met Bill and his wife in a restaurant in Mt Carroll, Illinois when he was doing the movie Hard Knox with Robert Conrad and Red West. Bill did not like all of the attention an actor received. We went on a quick tour of Mt Carroll and then went to Clinton, Iowa to see the sites. He said that he appreciated the fact that I introduced him as my friend. His memory will live on with his actiing career. God bless, Tom Florence, Des Moines, Iowa
Holly
January 7, 2011
Mr. Erwin will be missed by many fans.. May GOD bless his family & friends in this time of sorrow..He may be gone but will never be forgotten..
Jeff Ashner
January 6, 2011
He was great. I loved the grumpy old man. I want to aspire to that.
Don Frabotta
January 6, 2011
I had the great good pleasure to know "Mr. Bill" for many years (via The Pasadena Playhouse)and the double great good pleasure to work with him in a stage production of "You Can't Take It With You". He was always such a joy, had that sparkle in his eyes and was a walking history book who loved to impart the wonders he amassed over the years. My condolences to the family.
Linda Jackson
January 6, 2011
I love the movie Somewhere in Time and Mr. Erwin was so wonderful in his role as Arthur. He was perfect in that role and added so much to the movie. It wouldn't be the same without him in that role, he was Arthur. He has brought so much entertainment to so many people over the years and will be greatly missed. He was so fortunate to have acted in so many roles over the years and we are fortunate to have been given the opportunity to watch him in all his memorable roles. My sincerest condolences to the family.
Damon Frost
January 6, 2011
I have fond memories of working with him a few years ago and thought he was a real gentleman as well as a great actor. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Andrew K
January 5, 2011
I'll always have the fondest memories of him helping Catherine O'Hara at the airport with Billie Bird as she was trying to get home to her son in Home Alone and also in the episode of The Golden Girls where he takes Rose's dog Jake as a companion after the loss of his wife. RIP to a wonderful and warm character actor. He will be missed.
John brock
January 5, 2011
The Seinfield episode with Bill Erwin is one of my favorite. He was a great actor to the last years. Farewell, old timer. Hope you remembered your teeth.
Jerry S
January 5, 2011
RIP MY FRIEND,
Jerry S.
Jan Brown
January 5, 2011
My condolences to you and your family. 'Somewhere in Time' was my favorite movie of all time. (I think your father stole the show in that one). Thank you for sharing him with us for all these years. He will remain in the hearts of many.
Margaret Beard
January 5, 2011
To the Family and Friends of Mr. Bill Erwin.
I am sorry for your great loss. May memorable memories continue to live with you forever. I too remember the role he played in Somewhere in time. Great movie." May you Throw your burden on Him and He will sustain you. " Psalm 55:22 because He is healing the brokenhearted one and binding up their painful spots.
You are in my prayers.
Margaret Bethlehem
January 5, 2011
To the Family and Friends of Mr. Bill Erwin.
I am sorry for your great loss. May memorable memories continue to live with you forever. I too remember the role he played in Somewhere in time. Great movie." May you Throw your burden on Him and He will sustain you. " Psalm 55:22 because He is healing the brokenhearted one and binding up their painful spots.
You are in my prayers.
ROSE VAN ALSTYNE
January 5, 2011
A FOND GOODBYE TO "ARTHUR" FROM MY FAVORITE MOVIE--OUR DAUGHTERS TOOK US TO "THE GRAND HOTEL" FOR OUR 50TH NNIVERSARY,IN 2008--A 28YR DREAM COME TRUE, MADE ALL THE MORE MEMORABLE, BECAUSE MY LOVE PASSED AWWAY JUST 8 MO. LATER.
THOUGHTS & PRAYERS GO OUT TO HIS FAMILY & FRIENDS WHO ARE LEFT TO CHERISH THE MEMORY OF A WONDERFUL HUMAN BEING, WHO BROUGHT SO MUCH JOY TO SO MANY THRU HIS WONDERFUL TALENT
January 5, 2011
I loved him as Arthur in Somewhere In Time. He seemed like such a nice old guy. RIP Bill Erwin.
Erma Eleazer
January 5, 2011
Great Actor...We All Loved You..and You will be missed...here in the SOUTH EAST>> loved u Man..
R Golay
January 5, 2011
To the the family of Bill Erwin - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that Bill will be missed by many.
CLAY MARSTON
January 5, 2011
We wish to offer our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the immediate family, all relatives, many associates in the industry and thousands of fans across the world of BILL ERWIN upon his departure from the scene ...
Many are, unfortunately, unknowing of his more than 300 credited film, television and stage roles, although it should be noted that he was one of the very greatest character actors of his age ...
Thanks for all the fun, pathos, laughter, and many thrills Bill ...
You shall remain in our hearts and be fondly remembered forever.
Sally Reed
January 5, 2011
What a wonderful full life. We are all blessed to have had him in our lives. My condolences go out to the family.
JoAnne Thornton - BenDchiche
January 5, 2011
Although you blessed us by portraying many different characters, "Somewhere in Time" will live in my memory forever. Rest in peace Bill. May your family know how truly admired you were.
Dehbra R
January 5, 2011
you're in the army now is 1 of my fav movies & I remember Bill in it, he had Golden Era Star quality, my condolences to his family & friends that had the honor to know him personally, May he Rest In Peace
January 5, 2011
Can never forget Bill Erwin's role in "Somewhere in Time", one of my favorite movies. So sweet, so endearing. A beautiful man. A fan from Willoughby, OH
Cynthia Stewart
January 5, 2011
May Bill fond memories stay close to your heart.May the peace of God be with family and friends.Psalms 90:10.says Bill had a special mightiness.What a wonderful gift from God.
January 5, 2011
Dear Lindsey
We are so sorry to hear about your dad. We tried to reach you unsuccessfully. Please call if you can.
Love always,
Barbara
Victoria&Andrew
January 5, 2011
Our sympathies
Go out to Bill'
ErwinFamily~
An many Circle
of friends`In the
Movie film Industry
Of Asscociates'
For Bill left a
Living Legacy~
Admired And full
laughter and Joy
sometimes serious
as well
in his own way
In memory of
Mr.BillErwin~Rip~
So incredibly handsome!
Syndi Bruchesky
January 5, 2011
Kenny, Bill, and Syndi during the Somewhere In Time weekend at the Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Mi. Oct 2000.
Syndi Bruchesky
January 5, 2011
Our beloved Bill "Arthur". I've loved you since 1980 when I first saw "Somewhere in Time". I never thought there'd be a day when I would have the chance to meet you in person. I will never forget your warm hug and all the commentary you gave Kenny and I when we watched the movie together. I cannot stop crying because you touched my life so much. You gave so much to this world, so I know you left a lasting legacy. You will be missed more than you know. See ya 'round, Arthur. :'o(
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