R.I.P. Genre legend Michael Parks has died at age 77

Last Updated on July 31, 2021

Genre legend Michael Parks has died aged 77.

Quentin Tarantino has been noted as saying Michael Parks was "the world's greatest living actor", but we really don't need Mr. Brown to tell us that. From his roles in FROM DUSK TILL DAWN, KILL BILL, GRINDHOUSE, RED STATE, TUSK, and an endless list of other flicks, we all know that Parks was truly on of the greats.

Kevin Smith broke the news over Instagram. You can check out his post and his loving thoughts at the bottom of this article.

Yes, this is a sad day, but let's all gather round and remember some of his best roles. My favorite just may be his Spanish pimp from KILL BILL VOL. 2. That angry cat-call he does to the one whore, and the following kiss-kiss thing is one of the funniest things I have ever seen. Many a girlfriend of mine has grown VERY tired of that over the years.

What was YOUR favorite Michael Parks role?

I know that's a hard as hell question to answer, but all the same, once you think of it, let us know on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram what you've come up with.

Until then I have gathered a few choice shots from (some) of Michael Parks greatest roles. Scroll through them and then let's all have a Michael Paks marathon tonight!

RIP MICHAEL PARKS

I hate to report that my cinematic muse #michaelparks has passed away. Michael was, and will likely forever remain, the best actor I've ever known. I wrote both #RedState and @tuskthemovie FOR Parks, I loved his acting so much. He was, hands-down, the most incredible thespian I ever had the pleasure to watch perform. And Parks brought out the absolute best in me every time he got near my set. From the moment I saw him steal the opening scene of #fromdusktildawn at an advance screening at the Sunset 5 back in the mid-90's, I said to @samosier "Could you imagine what it must be like to work with a Yoda of acting like that guy? I gotta write for him one day." It took me 15 years but my dream came true on Red State (for which Parks won Best Actor at the @sitgesfestival) and then again years later with #tusk. Only Michael Parks could have delivered the line "Is man indeed a walrus at heart?" and make it scary as fuck. My favorite memory of Michael is watching him and #johnnydepp act with and at each other, like a couple of dueling wizards, in their shared scene in Tusk. Parks was in Heaven that day, sharing the screen with another brilliant actor and creating an unforgettable performance. He elevated any flick or TV show he was in and elevated every director he ever acted for. I was so fucking blessed to have worked with this bonafide genius. But really, I was just lucky to have known him at all. My heart goes out to James (Michael's son), Oriana (Michael's wife), Quentin Tarantino (Michael's biggest fan) and any movie or music lover who was ever dazzled by the talents of Michael Parks. Farewell, old friend. I'll see you farther along… #KevinSmith #actor #genius #rip #walrusyes

A post shared by Kevin Smith (@thatkevinsmith) on May 10, 2017 at 8:13am PDT

Young Michael Parks could f*ck your girlfriend.