Charles Dierkop: A Life In Film From 'Sting' To 'Police Woman'

Miss Flossie Schinner 11 May 2025

Ever wondered about the unsung heroes who add depth and grit to our favorite films and TV shows? Charles Dierkop, a character actor whose face was instantly recognizable, even if his name wasn't always on the tip of your tongue, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances.

Dierkop, a veteran of the screen and stage, died on Sunday, February 25th, at the age of 87, at Sherman Oaks Hospital in Los Angeles. The cause of death was complications arising from pneumonia and a recent heart attack, according to his daughter, Lynn Dierkop. While he may not have been a household name, his presence on screen was undeniable, bringing a certain authenticity and edge to every role he played. From classic westerns to gritty crime dramas, Dierkop left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.

	Information
Full Name	Charles Dierkop
Birth Date	September 11, 1936
Birth Place	La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA
Death Date	February 25, 2024
Death Place	Los Angeles, California, USA
Age at Death	87
Cause of Death	Complications from Pneumonia and Heart Attack
Spouse	Joan Florence Addis
Occupation	Actor
Years Active	1960s - 2000s (estimated)
Notable Roles	George "Flat Nose" Curry (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid), Detective Pete Royster (Police Woman), Floyd (The Sting)
Other Notable Works	The Pawnbroker, Star Trek, The Hustler, Heaven & Hell, Silent Night, Deadly Night
Reference	Charles Dierkop on IMDb

Born on September 11, 1936, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Charles Dierkop embarked on an acting career that spanned decades. His journey took him from local stages to the bright lights of Hollywood, where he became a sought-after character actor. He was married to Joan Florence Addis, and though details about his personal life remain relatively private, his professional life was an open book, filled with diverse roles and memorable performances.

Dierkop's career truly took off in the 1960s and 70s, a golden age for character actors. He possessed a unique ability to portray both menacing villains and sympatheticEveryman with equal conviction. This versatility allowed him to carve out a niche for himself in the competitive world of Hollywood, securing roles in some of the most iconic films and television shows of the era.

One of his most notable roles came in the classic western "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" (1969), where he played the memorable George "Flat Nose" Curry, a member of the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang. The film, starring Robert Redford and Paul Newman, became a cultural phenomenon, and Dierkop's portrayal of the tough-as-nails outlaw cemented his place in cinematic history. The film garnered numerous accolades, including four Academy Awards, solidifying its status as a cinematic masterpiece and a high point in the careers of its stars, including the supporting players like Dierkop.

He further solidified his reputation with a standout performance in "The Sting" (1973), another Redford-Newman collaboration that captivated audiences and critics alike. In this intricate con-artist caper, Dierkop played Floyd, a member of the grifter team. His contribution, though not a leading role, was crucial to the film's success, adding to the ensemble's chemistry and the story's overall believability. "The Sting" went on to win seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, further highlighting Dierkop's ability to choose projects that resonated with audiences and critics.

Beyond the big screen, Dierkop found considerable success on television. He is perhaps best known for his role as Detective Pete Royster on the popular 1970s series "Police Woman," starring Angie Dickinson. As one of the cops assisting Dickinson's character in tackling crime in Los Angeles, Dierkop brought a grounded realism to the role, resonating with viewers who appreciated his no-nonsense approach and dedication to justice. The series was a groundbreaking one for its time, featuring a strong female lead in a traditionally male-dominated profession, and Dierkop's presence as a supportive colleague was instrumental to its success.

His television credits extend far beyond "Police Woman," with appearances in other notable shows like "Star Trek." This showcased his versatility as an actor, capable of seamlessly transitioning between genres and character types. Whether he was playing a hardened criminal, a dedicated law enforcement officer, or a quirky character in a science fiction setting, Dierkop consistently delivered compelling performances that left a lasting impression.

Dierkop's filmography also includes roles in "The Pawnbroker," "The Hustler," and "Heaven & Hell," among others. These roles, though sometimes smaller in scale, demonstrate his commitment to his craft and his willingness to take on diverse and challenging characters. He approached each role with the same level of dedication and professionalism, regardless of its size or prominence, earning him the respect of his colleagues and the admiration of his fans.

In "The Pawnbroker," a poignant and powerful drama exploring the psychological scars of the Holocaust, Dierkop contributed to the film's emotional depth with his portrayal of a character who interacts with the titular pawnbroker, played by Rod Steiger. While his role may have been brief, it was impactful, adding to the film's overall atmosphere of despair and resilience.

Similarly, in "The Hustler," a classic film about the world of pool and the high stakes that come with it, Dierkop played a role that contributed to the film's gritty realism and its exploration of ambition and moral compromise. The film, starring Paul Newman, is considered one of the greatest sports dramas of all time, and Dierkop's presence added to its authenticity and its enduring appeal.

Even in the horror genre, Dierkop left his mark, appearing in films like "Silent Night, Deadly Night" (1984). This controversial slasher film, which revolves around a killer dressed as Santa Claus, showcased Dierkop's ability to play characters that were both unsettling and memorable, further demonstrating his range as an actor.

Charles Dierkop was more than just an actor; he was a storyteller, a chameleon who could transform himself into a myriad of characters, each with their own unique quirks and complexities. He understood the power of subtlety and nuance, using his expressions, his voice, and his body language to convey a wide range of emotions and motivations. He was a true character actor, one who elevated every project he was involved in with his talent and his dedication.

His passing marks the end of an era in Hollywood, a time when character actors like Dierkop were celebrated for their contributions to the art of filmmaking. While he may be gone, his work will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for generations to come. His performances in films like "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "The Sting," and "Police Woman" will serve as a testament to his talent and his enduring legacy. His ability to bring depth and authenticity to every role he played made him a valuable asset to every production he was a part of. He was the kind of actor who could steal a scene with just a few lines of dialogue or a well-placed look, and his presence will be sorely missed.

Dierkop's dedication to his craft extended beyond the screen and into the theater, where he honed his skills and developed his understanding of the art of acting. He believed in the importance of training and preparation, and he approached every role with the same level of commitment, whether it was a small part in a low-budget film or a leading role in a major stage production.

He understood that acting was more than just memorizing lines; it was about understanding the character's motivations, their relationships with other characters, and the overall context of the story. He was a master of improvisation, able to bring spontaneity and freshness to his performances, even after countless rehearsals and performances.

Charles dierkop, known for his roles as tough guys in iconic films and tv shows like butch cassidy and the sundance kid, the sting, and police woman, passed away at the age of 87. Veteran actor charles dierkop, best known for his roles in butch cassidy and the sundance kid, the sting, and the 1970s television series police woman, has died. He was 87.

Dierkop passed away at sherman oaks hospital on sunday, feb. 25 following a recent heart attack and a case of pneumonia, his daughter lynn told the hollywood reporter on monday. Charles dierkop, actor in the sting, police woman, died sunday of complications from pneumonia and a heart attack at a los angeles hospital at the age of 87.

Charles dierkop, the actor known for 'butch cassidy and the sundance kid,' 'the sting' and 'police woman,' died on sunday at the age of 87 after a recent heart attack and case of. Charles dierkop, best known for his roles in the sting, butch cassidy and the sundance kid and police woman, died sunday at a sherman oaks hospital.

Charles dierkop, a prolific character actor who dozens of credits in the \u201860s and \u201870s alone (including appearances in butch cassidy and the sundance kid, the sting, and as a series regular on. Charles dierkop, actor in \u2018butch cassidy and the sundance kid,\u2019 \u2018the sting\u2019 and \u2018police woman,\u2019 dies at 87 (english). Angie dickinson, earl holliman, charles dierkop, ed bernard:

One of the biggest films of the late sixties and into 1970, the film that made robert redford a superstar, one of the highlights of paul newman's long career, famous for its hit song and winner of four oscars including best picture, there is much to recommend butch cassidy and the sundance kid. See charles dierkop full list of movies and tv shows from their career.

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Angie dickinson, earl holliman, ed bernard, charles dierkop, david gerber: Charles dierkop charles dierkop\u2019s stock as an actor went up when he landed the role of one of the cops helping angie dickinson take care of crime in la on the tv series.