Leon Rippy

Character actor Leon Rippy essayed a string of memorable turns as men whose rustic charm occasionally hid a tinge of menace in such features and television projects as "The Patriot" (2000), "Deadwood" (HBO 2004-2006), "Saving Grace" (TNT 2007-2010) and "Under the Dome" (CBS 2013-15). The South Carolina-born actor began his career in regional theater and films before moving into studio efforts in the 1990s. An alliance with producer Roland Emmerich in seven films, including "Stargate" (1994) and "The Patriot" (2000), increased his exposure, which led to his best-known work as Tom Nuttall on "Deadwood," who owned the bar in which Wild Bill Hickock was murdered, and Holly Hunter's guardian angel on "Saving Grace." Rippy's near-constant presence in film and television over a two-decade period underscored viewers' and critics' opinion that he was among the best character players in the business.