Philip Baker Hall (September 10, 1931 – June 12, 2022) was an American actor. Although known primarily as a prolific character actor, he starred in leading roles in films, such as Secret Honor, Hard Eight, and Duck.
His other supporting roles in films include ones in Say Anything…, Boogie Nights, The Truman Show, Magnolia, The Contender, Zodiac, and Argo.
Hall was born in Toledo, Ohio. His mother was Alice Birdene (née McDonald), and his father, William Alexander Hall, was a factory worker from Montgomery, Alabama. He attended the University of Toledo.
He served in Germany as a United States Army translator and as a high school teacher. He worked for Off-Broadway and Broadway productions in New York City.
Hall had two children with his first wife, Dianne Lewis. He married Holly Wolfle, and had two daughters, Adella and Anna. Hall died on June 12, 2022, at the age of 90.
According to the Associated Press, Philip’s wife, Holly Wolfle Hall, confirmed that the Seinfeld and Magnolia actor died Sunday evening surrounded by loved ones.
“His voice was still just as forceful at the end,” Holly added. On Monday, Philip’s death was first disclosed in a tweet by his neighbor and friend Sam Farmer.
“Philip Baker Hall, my neighbor, friend, and one of the wisest, most accomplished, and kindest persons I’ve ever met, died quietly last night,” Farmer wrote.
“He was surrounded by people he cared about. “There is an empty vacuum in the world.” The cause of Philip’s death has yet to be determined.
Sports analyst Bill Simmons tweeted his favorite scenes of PBH in remembrance of the late actor. “RIP Philip Baker Hall what a career. The Floyd/Jack scene in Boogie Nights and the Sidney/Serrano stuff in Midnight Run are my personal favs but there was so much more. He always stood out. Man I liked that guy. Absolutely beloved on the @TheRewatchables.”
