John Anthony Epper[1] (October 1, 1938 – July 20, 2012) was an American actor and stuntman. He was a member of the Epper family, whose members work as actors and stunt performers.[1] Members include his sister, stuntwoman Jeannie Epper, and his brothers, Gary Epper and Andy Epper.[1]
Tony Epper | |
|---|---|
 Publicity Photo of Tony Epper | |
| Born | October 1, 1938 |
| Died | July 20, 2012 (aged 73) |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, stuntman |
| Years active | 1951–1996 |
| Spouse(s) | Donna Epper (m. ?–2012; his death) |
| Children | 4 |
| Parent(s) | John Epper (father) Frances Epper (mother) |
| Relatives | Jeannie Epper (sister) Gary Epper (brother) |
Epper, the son of stuntman John Epper, was born in Los Angeles, California.[1] He began his stunt and acting career in the 1950s, performing as an uncredited actor in Carbine Williams in 1952, The Story of Will Rogers in 1952 and Ma and Pa Kettle at Home in 1954.[1]
Epper alternated between stunt working and acting roles throughout his career. His stunt credits included Bram Stoker's Dracula, Con Air, Thelma & Louise, Jingle All the Way, Lethal Weapon 2, and Patriot Games.[1] In addition to stunt work, Epper acted in numerous films including The Cowboys, Dick Tracy, The Beastmaster, Valdez Is Coming, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, The Scalphunters, Cutter's Way, and The Hitcher.[1]
Epper's television work began in 1958 when he appeared in an episode of the sitcom Bachelor Father.[1] He appeared in more than a dozen television series, including Batman, Charlie's Angels, MacGyver, and The A-Team.[1] His last television role occurred in 1996, when he portrayed an inebriated Klingon in an episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.[1]
Personal life
editEpper and his wife, Donna, had four children together: stuntman and actor Danny Epper; and three daughters, Traci, Rona and Casey.[1]
Epper died from cancer at his Idaho home on July 20, 2012, at the age of 73.[1]
Filmography
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1951 | Elopement | Reagan Boy | Uncredited |
| 1952 | Carbine Williams | Wesley Williams | Uncredited |
| 1954 | Ma and Pa Kettle at Home | Donny Kettle | Uncredited |
| 1964 | Mail Order Bride | Cowboy | Uncredited |
| 1968 | The Scalphunters | Scalphunter | |
| 1969 | The Gay Deceivers | Vince | |
| 1969 | Paint Your Wagon | Miner | Uncredited |
| 1971 | Valdez Is Coming | Bodyguard | |
| 1972 | The Cowboys | Rustler #5 | |
| 1972 | The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid | Lumberjack | Uncredited |
| 1972 | Ulzana's Raid | Trooper #5 | |
| 1977 | Bad Georgia Road | Jessie | |
| 1979 | Buck Rogers in the 25th Century | Drunk | |
| 1981 | Cutter's Way | Guard #2 | |
| 1982 | The Beastmaster | Jun Leader | |
| 1984 | The Wild Life | Redneck Drunk #1 | |
| 1985 | Runaway Train | Hitman | |
| 1986 | The Hitcher | Trooper Conners | |
| 1986 | Hamburger: The Motion Picture | Biker Gang Leader | |
| 1986 | Bad Guys | Biker in Bar | Uncredited |
| 1987 | Outrageous Fortune | Russell | |
| 1987 | Shy People | Jake | |
| 1988 | Alien from L.A. | Terminating Hood | |
| 1989 | Homer and Eddie | Gas Station Attendant | |
| 1989 | National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation | Bozo #1 | |
| 1990 | Dick Tracy | Steve the Tramp | |
| 1990 | Don't Tell Her It's Me | Gas Station Thug | |
| 1990 | Kid | Truck | |
| 1991 | Suburban Commando | Teeth | |
| 1992 | Freejack | Hungry Diner | |
| 1993 | Nowhere to Run | Fire Thug Al | |
| 1993 | Joshua Tree | Transport Guard #1 | |
| 1993 | Excessive Force | Delivery Man | |
| 1996 | Sunchaser | Hay Hauler | |
| 1996 | Johns | Santa Claus | (final film role) |
References
editExternal links
edit- Tony Epper at IMDb
- Tony Epper at Memory Alpha