Photo: Reuters/file — David Carradine holds a plague during the unveiling of his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1997.
Tragedy in Thailand today where actor David Carradine was found dead in a Bangkok hotel room. The 72-year-old actor’s body was discovered, by a maid, hanging from a nylon rope in a closet, according to police there. The rope reportedly came from curtains in the hotel room. Carradine was in Bangkok shooting a movie.
Carradine has appeared in numerous stage productions and more than 100 films, but is best known for his role as a Shaolin monk in the television series, “Kung Fu” (1972-1975). Carradine portrayed the lead character Kwai Chang Caine in a western with mystical overtones. The series was quite progressive for the time and is still entertaining. Also, it made Carradine famous.
More recently, the veteran actor gained new fans as “Bill” in director Quentin Tarantino’s hit films “Bill Vol.1” (2003) and “Bill Vol.II” (2004). He was born John Arthur Carradine on December, 8, 1936 into a family of performers. His father was well-known character actor, John Carradine. His brothers Keith, Robert, and Bruce became actors as well.
Also, David Carradine was a musician, composer, author, martial arts expert, and visual artist, according to his website. Fans are leaving comments and messages of condolence on Carradine’s site today.
Although suicide is suspected, an autopsy is being conducted to determine the exact cause of death. Carradine was married five times and is survived by his present wife, Annie Bierman.