Tom Ligon, the veteran stage and screen actor best known for his roles in Bang the Drum Slowly and the long-running soap opera The Young and the Restless, has died at the age of 85.
His death was confirmed by SAG-AFTRA’s New York Local and longtime friend Steve Hayes. A cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
Born on September 10, 1940, Ligon began his acting career after studying at Yale University, where an early stage performance caught the attention of legendary playwright Tennessee Williams. That opportunity helped launch a career that spanned more than five decades across Broadway, television and film.
Ligon made his film debut in Paint Your Wagon before earning wider recognition in the 1973 baseball drama Bang the Drum Slowly. In one of the film’s memorable scenes, he performed the classic folk song “Streets of Laredo” alongside co-star Robert De Niro.
He later became a familiar face to daytime television audiences for portraying Lucas Lorenzo Prentiss on The Young and the Restless from 1978 to 1982. Throughout his career, he also appeared in popular television series including Charlie’s Angels, Starsky & Hutch, Dallas, Law & Order, Oz, and The Equalizer.
Away from the screen, Ligon remained active within the acting community. He served as chair of SAG-AFTRA’s National Seniors Committee and was widely respected for his advocacy on behalf of fellow performers. In 2013, he made headlines after successfully defending himself against a burglar in his New York City home.
Following news of his passing, friends, colleagues and fans paid tribute to Ligon’s enduring talent and generosity. Many remembered him as a gifted character actor whose performances left a lasting impression, whether on the Broadway stage, in Hollywood films or on daytime television.
Tom Ligon was preceded in death by his wife, K.C., who died in 2009. His body of work continues to stand as a testament to a career defined by versatility, dedication and a lifelong passion for the performing arts.