Earl Holliman, renowned for his role as Lieutenant Bill Crowley in NBC’s “Police Woman” and his appearance in the first-ever episode of “The Twilight Zone,” has died. The actor, who won a Golden Globe, passed away at his Studio City, California residence on November 25. He was 96 years old.
Craig Curtis, Holliman’s spouse, confirmed his demise. Holliman was in hospice care at the time of his death.
Holliman, originally named Henry Earl Holliman, was born on September 11, 1928, in Delhi, Louisiana. He was adopted from an orphanage when he was only a week old. His adoptive parents, who paid $7.50 for the infant, showered him with love and support. “I had wonderful parents who gave me all the love in the world. They encouraged me to be whatever I can be. I was their only child,” Holliman recalled.
His journey to becoming an actor started when he was 14, shortly after the death of his father. He hitchhiked from Texarkana, Texas to Hollywood, California. Although he was persuaded to return home, where he later became the senior class president at Oil City High School, his acting aspirations remained strong.
After his service in the U.S. Navy, Holliman attended the Pasadena Playhouse. His career breakthrough arrived in 1956 when he won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Katharine Hepburn’s spirited younger brother in “The Rainmaker,” a part he won over Elvis Presley.
Holliman’s film career blossomed with roles in “Giant” (1956) with Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson, “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral” (1957) alongside Burt Lancaster, and “The Sons of Katie Elder” (1965) with John Wayne.
Television added to Holliman’s enduring fame. He starred in the debut “Twilight Zone” episode, “Where Is Everybody?” which aired on October 2, 1959. In the episode, he portrayed an amnesiac wandering in a deserted town.
He became best known for his role as Lieutenant Bill Crowley on “Police Woman” (1974-1978), where he acted as Angie Dickinson’s superior officer.
Apart from acting, Holliman managed the Fiesta Dinner Theatre in San Antonio, Texas and presided over Actors and Others for Animals for 34 years. He was honored for his humanitarian efforts as the national honorary chairman for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.
Holliman’s television career also included appearances on “Gunsmoke,” “Bonanza,” “The Fugitive,” “Murder, She Wrote,” and “Empty Nest.” In 1993, he received another Golden Globe nomination for his role in the ABC series “Delta” starring Delta Burke.
At the age of 85, Holliman’s spouse Curtis described him as a compassionate confidant, an exceptional host, and a man with an unwavering positivity that radiated like a 1000-watt smile. Curtis spoke of Holliman’s balance and care, his profound sensitivity and playful humor, which contrasted with his robust and attractive appearance.
