Character actor Philip Baker Hall, known for his role as Lt. Joe Bookman on Seinfeld, is dead at the age of 90. The actor died on Sunday, June 12th. The New York Post reports that Hall’s death was reported by his neighbor and friend, Los Angeles Time reporter Sam Farer. Farer wrote on Twitter,
As is the case with Mike Haggerty, Hall’s role in Seinfeld was a brief but memorable one. Both actors passed away this year.
Philip Baker Hall: Seinfeld, Boogie Nights, and More
Hall appeared in “The Library,” one of the most acclaimed episodes of Seinfeld, as a library investigations officer who interrogates Jerry Seinfeld for overdue books from 20 years prior. His interrogation was delivered in a way reminiscent of Sgt. Joe Friday from the series Dragnet. The hardball detective-style interrogation caused Seinfeld to break character and laugh, which Hall could improvise off of. The performance was so memorable that he was brought back for the series finale. You can view this memorable performance below:
Seinfeld creator Larry David was impressed with Hall’s delivery and improvisation, as Hall portrayed David’s doctor in a few episodes of Curb Your Enthusiasm. Hall had roles in films such as Boogie Nights, Magnolia, The Truman Show, and more.
Hall’s death occurs the same year as another Seinfeld star, Estelle Harris. While his role wasn’t as recurring as Harris’s, it was just as unforgettable.
No cause of death has been revealed, but it is known he suffered from emphysema.
The official Seinfeld Twitter page paid tribute to actor Philip Baker Hall, calling him “one of Hollywood’s top character actors.” The tweet can be seen below.
The great Philip Baker Hall will forever be remembered by Seinfeld fans as the hard-nosed library detective, Mr. Bookman. Hall had a long and impressive career as one of Hollywood’s top character actors. His talent will be cherished. pic.twitter.com/1x5mLyvro3
— Seinfeld (@SeinfeldTV) June 14, 2022
