# Peter Jason

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American actor (1944–2025)

Peter Jason Jason in 2006 Born Peter Edward Ostling[1] (1944-07-22)July 22, 1944[1] Los Angeles, California, U.S. Died February 20, 2025(2025-02-20) (aged 80) West Hollywood, California, U.S. Alma mater Orange Coast College Carnegie Mellon University Occupation Actor Years active 1967–2025 Spouse Sally Ann Van Ameringen ​ ​ (m. 1966; div. 1968)​ Eileen Rosaly ​ (m. 1979)​ Children 2, including Robin Goldwasser Relatives John Flansburgh (son-in-law)

**Peter Edward Ostling** (July 22, 1944 – February 20, 2025), known professionally as **Peter Jason**, was an American [character actor](/source/Character_actor). He appeared in over 250 film and television roles from his debut in 1967 through the mid-2020's, and was notably a regular in the films of directors [Walter Hill](/source/Walter_Hill) and [John Carpenter](/source/John_Carpenter).[2] He often played military personnel, law enforcement agents, and authority figures, as well as his portrayal as Con Stapleton on the television series [*Deadwood*](/source/Deadwood_(TV_series)) (2004–06, 2019).[2]

## Early life and education

Born in the [Hollywood](/source/Hollywood%2C_Los_Angeles) neighborhood of [Los Angeles](/source/Los_Angeles), Jason grew up on the [Balboa Peninsula, Newport Beach](/source/Balboa_Peninsula%2C_Newport_Beach).[3] Jason was a self-described "surf bum" until the age of 18, when he acted on stage for the first time and became "an actor bum."[4] He had the lead role, playing Sheridan Whiteside in his high school's adaptation of *[The Man Who Came to Dinner](/source/The_Man_Who_Came_to_Dinner)*. From there, he "never had a job, never worked for a living, just played for the rest of [his] life."[4] He continued acting at [Orange Coast College](/source/Orange_Coast_College), citing his favorite role there as Harold Hill in *[The Music Man](/source/The_Music_Man)*.[3]

After hitchhiking to [Pittsburgh](/source/Pittsburgh) for a stint at [Carnegie Institute of Technology](/source/Carnegie_Institute_of_Technology), along with work at the [Paper Mill Playhouse](/source/Paper_Mill_Playhouse) and the [American Conservatory Theater](/source/American_Conservatory_Theater), Jason returned to California and helped to start the South Coast Repertory Theatre in his hometown.[2] After an appearance on *[The Red Skelton Show](/source/The_Red_Skelton_Show)*, he joined [AFTRA](/source/American_Federation_of_Television_and_Radio_Artists) and soon after began work in film.[3]

## Career

Main article: [Peter Jason filmography](/source/Peter_Jason_filmography)

Jason had an extensive career, amassing over 250 credited roles in film, television and video games.[5] His first credited role was as an unnamed duty officer in the 1967 TV movie *[A Bell for Adano](/source/A_Bell_for_Adano)*,[6] an adaptation of the 1944 novel by John Hersey. From there, he appeared in *[Here Come the Brides](/source/Here_Come_the_Brides)*[5] and three different roles on *[Gunsmoke](/source/Gunsmoke)*.[6] He also had a memorable turn in the 1970 [Howard Hawks](/source/Howard_Hawks) western film *[Rio Lobo](/source/Rio_Lobo)*[5] as the doomed Lieutenant Forsythe, whose death spurred on [John Wayne](/source/John_Wayne)'s Colonel Cord McNally to a mission of vengeance.[1] He later played a [Civil War](/source/American_Civil_War) soldier in the acclaimed miniseries *[The Blue and the Gray](/source/The_Blue_and_the_Gray_(miniseries))*.

He continued to work steadily across the 1980s, appearing in *[The Karate Kid](/source/The_Karate_Kid)* (1984)[6] as a soccer coach, a supporting role in the [Richard Pryor](/source/Richard_Pryor) film *[Brewster's Millions](/source/Brewster's_Millions_(1985_film))* (1985),[7] and two roles in the [Pierce Brosnan](/source/Pierce_Brosnan) series *[Remington Steele](/source/Remington_Steele)*.[5] In 1982, Jason played the lead role of Malcolm O'Keefe, a deranged killer who terrorizes a young boy and his teenaged babysitter in the independent horror-slasher flick *[Trick or Treats](/source/Trick_or_Treats)*.

Near the end of the decade would begin a fruitful working partnership with iconic horror director [John Carpenter](/source/John_Carpenter), with Jason appearing in seven of his films over the course of three decades. He first appeared in 1987's *[Prince of Darkness](/source/Prince_of_Darkness_(film))*, followed by 1988's *[They Live](/source/They_Live)*, and later the likes of *[In the Mouth of Madness](/source/In_the_Mouth_of_Madness)* (1994), *[Village of the Damned](/source/Village_of_the_Damned_(1995_film))* (1995), and *[Escape from L.A.](/source/Escape_from_L.A.)* (1996).[5][1] Additionally, Jason worked with [Walter Hill](/source/Walter_Hill) nine times across his career, including playing the racist bartender in *[48 Hrs.](/source/48_Hrs.)* (1982) and an appearance in *[Red Heat](/source/Red_Heat_(1988_film))* (1988);[1] he later cited the former as the role he was most recognized for outside of the television series *[Deadwood](/source/Deadwood_(TV_series))*, for which Hill directed the [pilot episode](/source/Deadwood_(Deadwood_episode)).[4] In *Deadwood*, he played the dim-witted Con Stapleton over the course of all three seasons and thirty-three episodes from 2004 to 2006, as well as [the 2019 reunion film](/source/Deadwood%3A_The_Movie).[1][8] Stapleton, based in part on a real person of the same name[9] who was the one and only [City Marshal](/source/Marshal) of the titular town, is depicted in the series as a card dealer at a saloon and later a reverend.

Jason's other work during the 1990s included a fan favorite appearance as [Drill Sergeant](/source/Drill_instructor) Arch Dornan in the 1998 video game *[Fallout 2](/source/Fallout_2)*,[10] a commander on the USS *[Reuben James](/source/USS_Reuben_James_(FFG-57))* in [John McTiernan](/source/John_McTiernan)'s 1990 adaptation of *[The Hunt for Red October](/source/The_Hunt_for_Red_October_(film))*,[11] and a recurring role as Daniel Wilford in the *[Wing Commander](/source/Wing_Commander_(franchise))* franchise. He also appeared in the 1990 cult film *[Arachnophobia](/source/Arachnophobia_(film))*,[1] the 1995 adaptation of *[Mortal Kombat](/source/Mortal_Kombat_(1995_film))*,[5] and in one of [Meat Loaf](/source/Meat_Loaf)'s [*Bat Out of Hell II*](/source/Bat_Out_of_Hell_II%3A_Back_into_Hell) music videos directed by [Michael Bay](/source/Michael_Bay).

Jason continued to work steadily through the turn of the century, working across film, television and video games as well as appearing in various commercials. He had a small role in the 2003 [Gary Ross](/source/Gary_Ross) film *[Seabiscuit](/source/Seabiscuit_(film))*[1] and lent his voice to the animated spoof *[Hair High](/source/Hair_High)*, written and directed by [Bill Plympton](/source/Bill_Plympton). Jason also made two appearances on *[NCIS](/source/NCIS_(TV_series))* as Sergeant Major Robert King. In 2007, Jason received a [CAMIE Award](/source/CAMIE_Award) (Character and Morality in Entertainment Award) for his turn in the 2006 made-for-television [Hallmark Channel](/source/Hallmark_Channel) film *[The Christmas Card](/source/The_Christmas_Card)*.

Jason played [Orson Welles](/source/Orson_Welles) in a 2014 short film as a tribute to the director;[12] the two had previously worked together on Welles' last project, *[The Other Side of the Wind](/source/The_Other_Side_of_the_Wind)*, which was eventually completed and released in 2018.[1] He also played a director in the [Coen brothers](/source/Coen_brothers)' *[Hail, Caesar!](/source/Hail%2C_Caesar!)*[6] and appeared in *[Justified](/source/Justified_(TV_series))*,[6] and two roles in *[Arrested Development](/source/Arrested_Development)*.[6] In 2020, Jason was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor award at the Christian International Film Festival for his performance in the independent film *Heavenly Deposit* (2019).[13] Additionally, he provided his voice to a number of video games, narrating *Darkwatch: Curse of the West* and playing Dizzy Wallin in *[Gears of War 2](/source/Gears_of_War_2)* and [its sequel](/source/Gears_of_War_3).[10]

In 2022, Jason appeared in *We Are Gathered Here Today*, a movie filmed remotely over [video calling](/source/Videotelephony) services as a result of the [COVID-19 pandemic](/source/COVID-19_pandemic), which it incorporated into its narrative.[5] His last credited role before his death in February 2025 was in *A Tale of 2 Fathers*, a short film directed by [Douglas Spain](/source/Douglas_Spain).[5]

## Personal life

Jason was married twice. His first marriage, to Sally Ann van Ameringen, ended in divorce in 1968. He re-married to Eileen Rosaly in 1979, and they remained together until his death in 2025. He had two children from previous relationships, including singer and playwright [Robin Goldwasser](/source/Robin_Goldwasser).[1] Musician [John Flansburgh](/source/John_Flansburgh), of the band [They Might Be Giants](/source/They_Might_Be_Giants), was his son-in-law.[1]

### Death

Jason died of cancer at his home in [West Hollywood, California](/source/West_Hollywood%2C_California) on February 20, 2025, at the age of 80.[1][11] After his death, [Billy Zane](/source/Billy_Zane) wrote that "my dear, dear friend, the brightest light, most generous soul and gregarious of men, the supremely talented and kind Peter Jason has left the set," while frequent collaborator John Carpenter stated that Jason was "one of the great character actors in cinema," adding that he was "a dear friend and I'll miss him terribly." [Ed Asner](/source/Ed_Asner)'s son Matthew noted that Jason was his father's "best friend," as well as "one of the sweetest people on the planet."[11][7]

## Further reading

- Voisin, Scott, *Character Kings: Hollywood's Familiar Faces Discuss the Art & Business of Acting*. BearManor Media, 2009. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-59393-342-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-59393-342-5)

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-obit_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-obit_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-obit_1-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-obit_1-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-obit_1-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-obit_1-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-obit_1-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-obit_1-7) [***i***](#cite_ref-obit_1-8) [***j***](#cite_ref-obit_1-9) [***k***](#cite_ref-obit_1-10) [***l***](#cite_ref-obit_1-11) ["Peter Jason, Actor in 'Deadwood' and Films for Walter Hill and John Carpenter, Dies at 80"](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/peter-jason-dead-deadwood-walter-hill-john-carpenter-1236142564/). *Hollywood Reporter*. February 21, 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:0_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:0_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-:0_2-2) Barnes, Mike (2025-02-21). ["Peter Jason, Actor in 'Deadwood' and Films for Walter Hill and John Carpenter, Dies at 80"](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/peter-jason-dead-deadwood-walter-hill-john-carpenter-1236142564/). *The Hollywood Reporter*. Retrieved 2026-05-01.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-website_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-website_3-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-website_3-2) ["Biography"](http://www.peterjason.net/Biography.html). Retrieved 21 February 2025.{{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_deprecated_archival_service))

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Fascination_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Fascination_4-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Fascination_4-2) ["Peter Jason - Actor (Deadwood / Deep In The Forest)"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t90ne5jRaMc). *Fascination Street Podcast*. 30 May 2022. Retrieved 21 February 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-DR_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-DR_5-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-DR_5-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-DR_5-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-DR_5-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-DR_5-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-DR_5-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-DR_5-7) O'Hare, Mia; Beattie, Eve (February 21, 2025). ["Deadwood star Peter Jason dies aged 80 as director John Carpenter leads tributes"](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/deadwood-star-peter-jason-dies-34725978). *Daily Record*.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-EW_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-EW_6-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-EW_6-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-EW_6-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-EW_6-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-EW_6-5) Wang, Jessica (February 21, 2025). ["Peter Jason, Deadwood actor and frequent John Carpenter collaborator, dies at 80"](https://ew.com/peter-jason-dead-deadwood-actor-80-11684209). *Entertainment Weekly*.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-variety_7-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-variety_7-1) Minton, Matt (21 February 2025). ["Peter Jason, 'Deadwood' and 'Prince of Darkness' Character Actor, Dies at 80"](https://variety.com/2025/film/news/peter-jason-dead-deadwood-princes-of-darkness-1236315556/). *Variety*. Retrieved 21 February 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["Deadwood – Con Stapleton"](https://web.archive.org/web/20190302220945/https://www.hbo.com/deadwood/cast-and-crew/con-stapleton). *HBO*. Archived from [the original](https://www.hbo.com/deadwood/cast-and-crew/con-stapleton) on March 2, 2019. Retrieved November 12, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** Weiser-Alexander, Kathy. ["Con Stapleton – Deadwood, South Dakota Marshal"](https://www.legendsofamerica.com/sd-constapleton/). *Legends of America*. Retrieved 21 February 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-pcg_10-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-pcg_10-1) Chalk, Andy (February 21, 2025). ["Peter Jason, the voice of Fallout 2's famous drill sergeant and Dizzy in the Gear of War games, has died"](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/peter-jason-the-voice-of-fallout-2s-famous-drill-sergeant-and-dizzy-in-the-gear-of-war-games-has-died/). *PC Gamer*.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Deadline_11-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Deadline_11-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Deadline_11-2) Evans, Greg (February 21, 2025). ["Peter Jason Dies: 'Deadwood' Actor And Favorite Of John Carpenter And Walter Hill Was 80"](https://deadline.com/2025/02/peter-jason-dead-1236297197/). *Deadline*. Retrieved February 21, 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Conjuring Orson (2014)"](https://www.stage32.com/projects/Conjuring-Orson). *Stage 32*. Retrieved February 27, 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["2020 Official Nominations"](https://internationalcff.org/2020-official-nominations/). *International Christian Film and Music Festival*. Retrieved February 27, 2025.

## External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Peter Jason](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Peter_Jason).

- [Peter Jason](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0419273/) at [IMDb](/source/IMDb_(identifier))

- [Industrycentral.net](http://industrycentral.net/content/actors/p_jason.html)

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Peter Jason](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Jason) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Jason?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.