John Anthony Epper (October 1, 1938 – July 20, 2012) was an American actor and stuntman. He was a member of the Epper family, whose members work as actors and stunt performers. Members include his sister, stuntwoman Jeannie Epper, and his brothers, Gary Epper and Andy Epper.
Epper, the son of stuntman John Epper, was born in Los Angeles, California. He began his stunt and acting career in the 1950s, performing as an uncredited actor in Carbine Williams in 1952, The Story of Will Rogers in 1952 and Ma and Pa Kettle at Home in 1954.
Epper alternated between stunt working and acting roles throughout his career. His stunt credits included Bram Stoker's Dracula, Con Air, Thelma & Louise, Jingle All the Way, Lethal Weapon 2, and Patriot Games. In addition to stunt work, Epper acted in numerous films including The Cowboys, Dick Tracy, The Beastmaster, Valdez Is Coming, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, The Scalphunters, Cutter's Way, and The Hitcher.
Epper's television work began in 1958 when he appeared in an episode of the sitcom Bachelor Father. He appeared in more than a dozen television series, including Batman, Charlie's Angels, MacGyver, and The A-Team. His last television role occurred in 1996, when he portrayed an inebriated Klingon in an episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
Personal life
Epper and his wife, Donna, had four children together: stuntman and actor Danny Epper; and three daughters, Traci, Rona and Casey.
Epper died from cancer at his Idaho home on July 20, 2012, at the age of 73.
Filmography Year Title Role Notes1951 Elopement Reagan Boy Uncredited1952 Carbine Williams Wesley Williams Uncredited1954 Ma and Pa Kettle at Home Donny Kettle Uncredited1964 Mail Order Bride Cowboy Uncredited1968 The Scalphunters Scalphunter 1969 The Gay Deceivers Vince 1969 Paint Your Wagon Miner Uncredited1971 Valdez Is Coming Bodyguard 1972 The Cowboys Rustler #5 1972 The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid Lumberjack Uncredited1972 Ulzana's Raid Trooper #5 1977 Bad Georgia Road Jessie 1979 Buck Rogers in the 25th Century Drunk 1981 Cutter's Way Guard #2 1982 The Beastmaster Jun Leader 1984 The Wild Life Redneck Drunk #1 1985 Runaway Train Hitman 1986 The Hitcher Trooper Conners 1986 Hamburger: The Motion Picture Biker Gang Leader 1986 Bad Guys Biker in Bar Uncredited1987 Outrageous Fortune Russell 1987 Shy People Jake 1988 Alien from L.A. Terminating Hood 1989 Homer and Eddie Gas Station Attendant 1989 National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation Bozo #1 1990 Dick Tracy Steve the Tramp 1990 Don't Tell Her It's Me Gas Station Thug 1990 Kid Truck 1991 Suburban Commando Teeth 1992 Freejack Hungry Diner 1993 Nowhere to Run Fire Thug Al 1993 Joshua Tree Transport Guard #1 1993 Excessive Force Delivery Man 1996 Sunchaser Hay Hauler 1996 Johns Santa Claus (final film role)
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