The entertainment world mourns the loss of a beloved veteran actor, known for his memorable roles in “The Waltons” and “Die Hard 2,” who passed away at the age of 86. His career spanned several decades, leaving an indelible mark on both television and film.
Born in Marietta, Georgia, on November 5, 1958, Robert Hammond Patrick was a versatile actor celebrated for his portrayals of villains and authority figures. His journey into acting began after he dropped out of college, where a drama class ignited his passion for the craft. He made his film debut in 1986 and quickly rose to prominence with a supporting role in “Die Hard 2” (1990). However, it was his iconic performance as the T-1000 in “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” (1991) that cemented his status as a Hollywood heavyweight.
Patrick’s career was marked by a series of notable film roles, including appearances in “Fire in the Sky” (1993), “Striptease” (1996), “Cop Land” (1997), “The Faculty” (1998), “Spy Kids” (2001), “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle” (2003), “Ladder 49” (2004), “Walk the Line” (2005), “Flags of Our Fathers” (2006), “We Are Marshall” (2006), “Bridge to Terabithia” (2007), “The Men Who Stare at Goats” (2009), and “Safe House” (2012).
In addition to his film work, Patrick made significant contributions to television. He portrayed FBI Special Agent John Doggett in “The X-Files,” Colonel Tom Ryan in “The Unit,” DHS agent Cabe Gallo in “Scorpion,” and Auggie Smith / White Dragon in “Peacemaker.” His television credits also include roles in “1923,” “The Outer Limits,” “The Sopranos,” “Elvis,” “Burn Notice,” “Last Resort,” “Sons of Anarchy,” its spin-off “Mayans M.C.,” “Jamie Hawkins in The Night Agent,” and “From Dusk till Dawn: The Series.”
Patrick’s dedication to his craft earned him a solid reputation within the industry. Critics, fans, and co-stars alike praised his work ethic, personality, and consistent performances. Actor and director Jason Bateman once described him as “one of the great heavies.”
Despite his success, Patrick’s journey was not without challenges. He revealed in August 2022 that he struggled with substance abuse early in his career, which affected his ability to secure acting roles after “Terminator 2.” However, he persevered and continued to deliver memorable performances throughout his career.
Patrick’s early life was marked by frequent relocations, as his family moved from Georgia to Boston, Massachusetts, Dayton, Ohio, Detroit, Michigan, and Bay Village, Ohio. He was the eldest of five children born to Nadine and Robert M. Patrick. During his childhood, he had little interest in acting and even refused to wear a pair of green tights for a third-grade production of “Peter Pan.” He graduated from Farmington High School in Farmington, Michigan, in 1977, where he excelled in track and field and football.
After leaving college, Patrick worked as a house painter until a boating accident in 1984 in Lake Erie changed the course of his life. He swam for three hours to save others stranded at the accident site, nearly drowning in the process. This life-altering experience prompted him to move to Los Angeles at the age of 26 to pursue acting.
Patrick’s early career included roles in low-budget science-fiction and action films produced by Roger Corman and shot in the Philippines by Cirio H. Santiago. He credited his “tough-looking exterior” for landing these roles and described his experience with Santiago as his “film school.” These B movies helped him obtain a SAG card and paved the way for his breakthrough role in “Die Hard 2.”
Throughout his career, Patrick continued to take on diverse roles, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He played Johnny Cash’s father, Ray Cash, in “Walk the Line” and Elvis’s father, Vernon Presley, in the miniseries “Elvis.” He also appeared in “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle,” “The Marine,” “We Are Marshall,” and “Firewall.”
In recent years, Patrick appeared in television series such as “Burn Notice,” “NCIS,” “True Blood,” “Last Resort,” “Identity Thief,” and “From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series.” He also starred in the Amazon Video horror anthology series “Lore” and played Auggie Smith / White Dragon in the HBO Max series “Peacemaker.”
Patrick’s personal life was marked by his marriage to actress Barbara Hooper in 1990. The couple appeared together in various films and TV shows, including “Zero Tolerance” and “The X-Files.” They had two children, a son and a daughter. Patrick was a devout Episcopalian and a member of the Boozefighters motorcycle club.
The entertainment industry has lost a true talent with the passing of Robert Patrick. His contributions to film and television will be remembered for years to come, and his legacy as a versatile and dedicated actor will continue to inspire future generations.
