Timothy Scott was a talented and prolific actor who appeared in many films and television shows, especially westerns. He was best known for his role as Pea Eye Parker in the Lonesome Dove miniseries and its sequel. He also had a successful career as a Broadway dancer, performing in shows like Cats and A Chorus Line. But how did he die and what was his cause of death? In this article, we will explore the life and death of Timothy Scott, a versatile actor and dancer.
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Early Life and Career
Timothy Scott was born on July 20, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan. He lived in New Mexico and moved to Los Angeles, California, in 1959 for his acting career. He had a wife Donna Leigh Scott, one stepdaughter Marisa Scott-Windom, and two sons, Scott Harmon and Dean Swope. He co-founded the Met Theatre with James Gammon in Los Angeles.
Scott appeared in nearly two dozen films and television shows, including many westerns. He made his film debut in In the Heat of the Night (1967) and later starred in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) as William “News” Carver, one of the members of the outlaw gang. He also appeared in Vanishing Point (1971), The Electric Horseman (1979), Fried Green Tomatoes (1991), and other films.
He also had a successful career on television, appearing in shows like Batman (1966), Gunsmoke (1968-1975), The Waltons (1972-1981), Little House on the Prairie (1974-1983), The Dukes of Hazzard (1979-1985), and others. He portrayed Texas Ranger turned cowboy Pea Eye Parker in the 1989 miniseries Lonesome Dove and its 1993 sequel Return to Lonesome Dove. He was replaced by Sam Shepard as Pea Eye in Streets of Laredo (1995).
Broadway Career and Personal Life
Scott was also a talented dancer who performed on Broadway. He portrayed Mr. Mistoffelees in the original 1982 Broadway production of the musical Cats “for about 18 months”. He also appeared in both the Broadway stage and the film versions of A Chorus Line. He also appeared in other theatre works, such as Dancin’ and King of Hearts.
Scott lived with his partner, film editor Norman Buckley. They met in 1980 when Buckley was working on A Chorus Line. They remained together until Scott’s death.
Diagnosis and Death
Scott was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer in 1994. He underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments, but his condition worsened. He died of a heart attack in a Los Angeles hospital at age 57 on June 14, 1995, where he was receiving cancer treatment.
Scott was commemorated in Los Angeles and Texas. He was cremated, his ashes scattered at screenwriter Bill Wittliff’s ranch, Plum Creek, located between two Texas cities, Luling and Gonzales.
Legacy and Influence
Timothy Scott was a versatile actor and dancer who left behind a rich legacy of work. He was praised for his ability to play different characters, from outlaws to cowboys to cats. He was also admired for his courage and dignity in facing his illness.
He influenced many actors and dancers who followed him, such as Sam Shepard, who played Pea Eye Parker after him, and Michael Cerveris, who played Mr. Mistoffelees after him. He also inspired many fans who loved his performances.
Timothy Scott’s cause of death was a heart attack, but his life was full of passion and creativity. He will always be remembered as a talented and versatile actor and dancer.
