Fans of actor Sonny Landham were sad at his recent passing at age 76. The Native American actor is well known for playing the role of Billy Sole in the film “Predator” (1987). He also joined Arnold Schwarzenegger as he played the part of Billy Bear in “48 Hours.” The beloved Cherokee and Seminole actor also appeared in “Firewalker,” “The Warriors” and “Poltergeist.” He did not limit himself to one career. He also ran for a political office in the state of Kentucky and was a professional stuntman. In his earlier years as an actor, he starred in a number of X-rated movies, but later moved to more dramatic roles. he was best known for being a tough guy on film.
To honor his memory, here are our five favorite Sonny Landham moments.
1. “Predator”
This is the famous “Get to the chopper” scene from the movie “Predator” when Sonny stops just short of clearing the log that they used to cross over to the other side of the river. While Schwarzenegger and the rest find their way across, Sonny stops before he reaches the end. He carefully takes his very large knife from its’ scabbard and makes a slash down his chest, just below the skin. We see the resolve in his face and it becomes obvious that he’s not going to run any more. It’s time for the final confrontation between himself and the beast that has been relentlessly stalking them. His striking good looks and larger than life toughness are impressive and he carries the scene so well.
2. “Lockup”
This is the prison scene in which Sylvester Stallone walks through the prison yard. Sonny tells him “hold it Ace, that’s my spot!” Stallone moves to another location in the yard and Sonny is hell bent on following him. He continues to let Stallone know that anyplace he chooses to rest is not going to work out for him. It’s a tense situation and the rivalry between the two becomes more intense.
3. Later in the film
Later in the movie “Lockup” we see Sonny and Stallone square off on the football field. It is a very violent and unfriendly game of ball. Sonny really has it out for Sly and he pulls out all the stops in a wonderful depiction of the character.
4. “48 Hours”
Sonny plays the role of Billy Bear. In this scene, a convict that is on the chain gang gives him a rough time and makes fun of his Native American heritage. Billy is swift to show the guy what happens when you make fun of the wrong person having a bad day.
5. “The Warriors”
While we don’t have the clip of this it’s interesting to see that Landham got his start playing a young cop rather than a hardened criminal.
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