Sam Bottoms


Samuel John Bottoms was an American actor and producer.

Early life

Bottoms was born in Santa Barbara, California in 1955, the third son of James "Bud" Bottoms and Betty, both of whom outlived him. He was the brother of actors Timothy Bottoms, Joseph Bottoms and Ben Bottoms.

Career

When Bottoms was 16 years old, he was on the set of The Last Picture Show, in which his older brother Timothy starred, when the director Peter Bogdanovich decided to give him a screen test. He ended up in the movie as the character of Billy, who has no spoken lines but plays a pivotal role in the drama. Five years later, Bottoms appeared with Clint Eastwood in The Outlaw Josey Wales.
Bottoms may be best remembered for his role as surfer Lance B. Johnson, a Navy Gunner's Mate stationed on a river boat in Francis Ford Coppola's Apocalypse Now. Bottoms acquired hookworm during the chaotic production in the Philippines, and the parasite "wrecked his liver".

Death

At age 53, Bottoms died of glioblastoma multiforme, a type of brain tumor, on December 16, 2008. He was cremated and his ashes given to his widow. He had 2 children.

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRoleNotes
1971The Last Picture ShowBilly
1973Class of '44Marty
1974Zandy's BrideMel Allan
1976The Outlaw Josey WalesJamie
1979Apocalypse NowLance B. Johnson
1979Up from the DepthsGreg Oliver
1980Bronco BillyLeonard James
1984Gringo mojadoMurray Lewis Jr.
1985Prime RiskBill Yeoman
1986Hunter's BloodDavid Rand
1987Gardens of StoneLt. Webber
1988After SchoolFather Michael McCarren
1991Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's ApocalypseHimselfDocumentary
1991Dolly DearestElliot Wade
1991Ragin' Cajuns Legs
1992North of Chiang MaiMichael
1993Sugar HillOliver Thompson
1993The TrustJames Baker
1995Project Shadowchaser IIIKody
1997Snide and PrejudiceTherapist Schaub
1998Joseph's GiftRobert Keller
2001The UnsaidJoseph Caffey
2001Shadow FuryMitchell Madsen
2002Looking Through LillianGene
2002True FilesAlex Lomax
2003SeabiscuitMr. Blodget
2005HavocLt. Maris
2005ShopgirlDan Buttersfield
2005Winter PassingBrian
2006SherryBabyBob Swanson Sr.
2007Finishing the GameMartey KurtainbaumFinal film role

Television

Producer