Dennis weaver cause of death

Billy Dennis Weaver [ 1 ] June 4, — February 24, was an American actor and president of the Screen Actors Guild , best known for his work in television and films from the early s until just before his death in He starred in the television film Duel , the first film of director Steven Spielberg. He is also remembered for his role as the twitchy motel attendant in Orson Welles 's film Touch of Evil Weaver wanted to be an actor from childhood.

He lived in Shreveport, Louisiana , for several years and for a short time in Manteca, California. He studied at Joplin Junior College , then transferred to the University of Oklahoma at Norman , where he studied drama and was a track star, setting records in several events.

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Under the name Billy D. Weaver, he tried out for the U. Olympic team in the decathlon , [ 3 ] finishing sixth behind year-old high school track star Bob Mathias. However, only the top three finishers were selected. He eventually took over the role from Chapman in the national touring company. Solidifying his choice to become an actor, Weaver enrolled in the Actors Studio , [ 5 ] where he met Shelley Winters.

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In the beginning of his acting career, he supported his family by doing odd jobs, including selling vacuum cleaners , tricycles , and women's hosiery. In , Shelley Winters helped him get a contract from Universal Studios. He made his film debut that same year in the movie The Redhead from Wyoming.