About 5 or 6 years ago, I could have sworn that I heard a news report that Sonny Chiba had died. Then, I started hearing his name come up, as if he were still alive. Then, he showed up in KILL BILL, proving that he is still alive.
Are there any actors who you thought were dead, but were then surprised to find out they were still alive?
Are there any actors who are alive that you wish were dead?
Jack Elam, who just died a couple of days ago....I thought he was already gone.
Yeah, I kind of assumed Jack Elam was dead. I mean, he didn't exactly look young and healthy 30 years ago. If I make this assumption, it's usually with an actor who actually retired at a reasonable age, instead of working to the very end. I don't usually find out I was wrong until the obit hits the paper.
Abe Vigoda is on all the "presumed dead, but still kicking" lists. I also thought Jack Elam was dead, as AndyC said, he was never very healthy looking.