Monday, July 17, 2023

The actor that played the gang leader in American Graffiti, was Bo Hopkins, Korean War vet in the 101st Airborne


Bo led a troubled life as a youngster, with numerous instances of truancy, minor crimes, and a stay in a reform school. He dropped out of school just before his 17th birthday and joined the United States Army, where he was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division. He was based at Fort Jackson, Fort Gordon, and Fort Pope, before being shipped off to Korea, where he served for nine months. After his military service, Hopkins became interested in pursuing an acting career, although his wife disapproved of it and she soon left him, taking their daughter with her. 

After appearing in some area plays, he received a scholarship to study acting and stage production at the Pioneer Playhouse in Kentucky, where he soon moved. From Kentucky, he made his way to New York City to act in more stage plays. After New York, he moved to Hollywood where he earned a living parking cars while studying at the Actors Studio

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