Peter Jason, the prolific character actor best known for his work onDeadwoodand his numerous John Carpenter collaborations, died at 80 on Thursday, February 20. Jason’s career spanned decades and encompassed everything from Westerns to horror films and video games.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Peter Jason passed away in his West Hollywood home following a long battle with cancer. Jason was born on August 05, 2025, in Hollywood, CA, and began working on stage while he studied drama at Carnegie; his passion for theater continued throughout his life, with participation in over 150 plays. In the 1960s, he began making television appearances with roles in shows includingThe F.B.I.,Cimarron Strip, andHere Come the Brides,with his film debut arriving in 1970, when he briefly appeared in Howard Hawks' westernRio Loboas Lieutenant Forsythe.
Throughout his decades-long career, Jason amassed over 250 credits across film, television and video games. On screen, Jason often portrayed military and authority figures, including Marshal Con Stapleton inDeadwood, Major G.F. Devin inHeartbreak Ridge, and Sergeant Major Robert King inNCIS.
Jason enjoyed an extensive working relationship with Master of Horror John Carpenter, appearing in numerous of the director’s films, including portraying Dr. Paul Leahy inPrince of Darknessand resistance fighter Gilbert inThey Live.Their collaborations extended toIn the Mouth of Madness,Village of the Damned,Escape from L.A., andGhosts of Mars. These roles contributed to Jason’s beloved status within the horror and science fiction genres.
OnX, Carpenter paid homage to Jason, sharing:
“Peter Jason, one of the great character actors in cinema, has died. His first movie was Howard Hawks' RIO LOBO. He was a dear friend and I’ll miss him terribly.”
Peter Jason Was a Character Actor With Incredible Versatility
Jason also collaborated with director Walter Hill for decades, appearing inThe Driver,The Long Riders, 48 Hrs.,Streets of Fire,Brewster’s Millions,Red Heat,Johnny Handsome,Wild Bill,andUndisputed(2002).
Hill, who directed the pilot episode of HBO’sDeadwood,also helped Jason secure the role of Con Stapleton. The character, which Jason portrayed throughoutthe critically acclaimed Western’s 2004 to 2006 runand later for 2019’sDeadwood: The Movie, became one of his most memorable portrayals. Set in the 1870s in the South Dakota town of the same name,Deadwoodchronicles the town’s evolution from a chaotic camp to an organized community. It featured Con Stapleton’s journey from card dealer to sheriff and, eventually, to reverend.
Jason’s extensive credits also include roles inLand of the Giants,Hawaii Five-O,Gunsmoke, One Day at a Time,Starksy and Hutch,MAS*H, The Incredible Hulk,Cagney & Lacey,The Golden Girls,Knots Landing,Roseanne, Coach,Arrested Development, Baskets,andNCIS;films includingArachnophobia, Congo, Mortal Kombat, Willow Creek, The Karate Kid,MilkandDante’s Peak.He has also lent his voice to video games, includingFallout 2andGears of War 2. Jason’s last credited role before passing was in a short film titledA Tale of 2 Fathers. Jason is set to appear posthumously in several projects.
Jason is survived by his wife, Eileen, and daughter, singer and playwright Robin Goldwasser.
