Powers Boothe of Agents of SHIELD, Deadwood dead at 68

Powers BootheVery sad news is coming out today that should rock many TV and movie fans — acting icon Powers Boothe is dead at the age of 68.

Boothe is one of the most prolific actors out there of the past several decades, and he is an Emmy winner to boot thanks to the miniseries Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones in the Lead Actor category. For the most part, though, many TV viewers will remember him for two separate roles: Gideon Malick, the incredibly-dangerous secret-keeper during the third season of Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD, and then also his Deadwood part of Cy Tolliver. Beyond that, he did also have some very significant roles on such shows as Nashville and also 24, and certainly had one of the cooler names out there for any actor. (He also did some voice acting over the years, including the DC Comics villain Gorilla Grodd.) It’s almost a testament to the power he brought to his roles, but doesn’t quite hold a candle to everything that he brought to his life beyond the screen.

Actor Beau Bridges (recent of Masters of Sex fame) was one of the first to address Boothe’s passing on Twitter, referring to him as a “dear friend” to him but also a “devoted father and husband” to others. Like many other actors, he took his craft seriously, but also understood the need for further balance beyond it. Performances live on for some, and legacy lives on for others.

While so many of us did not know Boothe aside from his work, often the people who worked the hardest and took on so many different roles knew how to live the best. They were grateful of every opportunity, could rise to the occasion when needed, and also knew when to let others shine. His work will absolutely be missed, and extended sympathies have to go out to his family, his friends, and everyone who knew him. He will be easily remembered through much of his work.

If you do have any thoughts on Boothe as a performer or a person following this sad news, feel free to share in the comments below. (Photo: ABC.)

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