Philip Baker Hall Dies Aged 90: Remembering the Life of 'Seinfeld’s Lt Bookman

Hollywood and people everywhere were heartbroken by the death of their beloved character, actor Philip Baker Hall. He lived a remarkable life, earning respect and admiration from those around him.

Philip Baker Hall passed away at his home in Glendale at 90 years old. He had finally succumbed to emphysema after having to rely on supplemental oxygen before he passed.

The actor had recently returned from the hospital and died as his family surrounded him, leaving behind his wife, brother, four grandchildren, and four children.

Philip Baker Hall at the premiere of Focus Features’ “Bad Words” on March 5, 2014 in Hollywood. | Source: Getty Images

Sam Farmer, a staff writer for the Lose Angeles times, wrote about his friendship with the actor and how much he appreciated it, expressing:

“I was proud to call him a friend — so many of us in the neighborhood were — even though people I would tell often didn’t recognize his name. I’d show them a picture and invariably they’d say, ‘Oh, that guy. He’s in everything.’”

His loving wife, Holly Wolfle Hall, said he had been positive during the last weeks, reflecting on a life well-lived.

WHO WAS PHILIP BAKER HALL?

Hall was initially conservative in his career choice because, although he had a penchant for acting, he chose instead to enlist in the military. Following this, he worked as a high school teacher and radio announcer.

He was 30 years old when he decided to pursue his passion. He began with theatre, but his first movie role debuted in 1970 — “Zabriskie Point.” But, only two decades later, he became well-known in Hollywood.

Some of his most notable projects include 1984’s “Secret Honor” 1996’s “Hard Eight, and of course, “1999’s “Magnolia,” which skyrocketed his visibility — By this time, he was in his 60’s.

He then went on to act in blockbusters such as 2002’s “The Sum of All Fears” and 2003’s “Dogville.” Many admire Hall for his tenacity as someone who spent decades surviving as a theatre actor in Los Angeles before his big break.

WAS PHILIP BAKER HALL MARRIED? DID HE HAVE CHILDREN?

Hall has been married twice, first to Dianne Lewis and then to Holly Wolfle Hall, with whom he stayed until his dying day.

He has four kids, all daughters, Anna, Adella, Trisha, and Darcy. Two are from his first marriage, while the other half are from his second.

THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY’S REACTION TO PHILIP BAKER HALL’S DEATH

Tinseltown reacted with grief upon hearing the news of his death. Taking to Twitter, Linda Park expressed that she was honored to have acted alongside him, with Mark Ruffalo echoing this sentiment. The Seinfeld Twitter account, where Hall made his famous guest appearance on the series, read: