"Then Came Bronson" Actor Michael Parks 1940-2017 Memorial Video

Michael Parks (born Harry Samuel Parks; April 24, 1940 - May 9, 2017) was an American singer and actor. He appeared in many films and made frequent television appearances, but was probably best known as the star of the series Then Came Bronson from 1969 to 1970. In his later years Parks worked with filmmakers such as Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez, and Kevin Smith. Parks died on May 9, 2017 in his Los Angeles home at the age of 77. A cause of death has not yet been revealed.

[@TomiLoveless]

Michael was my friend for many years. Got to know him first while he was in Monterey shooting Then Came Bronson. Later on we moved right across the street from him and the Carlille's. He was always my favorite actor. He was so skilled. He did a couple of exclusive performances for me alone. Michael could change his face and body to become somebody else! Right in front of your eyes!! The first time I saw that it really freaked me out.

[@paulwalker2401]

He was brilliant,, thank you for the many years of entertainment you gave us ,..

[@jimpatterson3286]

Been a fan since the first episode of Bronson I even had two of his albums. Just now listened to him sing wayfaring stranger and had to shed a tear.Well done sir.Much Respect. R.I.P.

[@craigperry3390]

HE WAS PERFECT IN THE "THEN CAME BRONSON" SERIES, I WATCHED MOST OF THE SHOWS, HE HAD THAT JAMES DEAN WAY ABOUT HIM, VERY TALENTED, AND A LIKEABLE CHARACTER~ RIP BROTHER...

[@rubyslippers8490]

I MET MICHAEL AROUND 1964 . He was mysterious, complimentary, AND actually had a great smile. His career was more vast than people realize and he was a greater actor than most people talk about. Kill Bill, Vol.2 - great performance. Rest in peace, Michale. You did good.

[@maevebrain]

Then Came Bronson. All the real actors are gone now. He was the real deal. Have fun in your next journey Michael.

[@chicagophile]

I have great memories of watching Then Came Bronson as a young teen. RIP

[@TimMOtto]

I think it's Sad how few people seem to remember Michael in their thoughts. The guy had a-lot of talent! Acting & Music.

[@patrickgallimore6896]

Michael Parks was a brilliant actor, who, on the silver screen, had the magnetism and mystique of James Dean, the looks and likeability of Mark Harmon, and the acting ability and macho appeal of Clint Eastwood...May his soul rest in peace, on that Grand Soundstage in the sky.

[@rainysunday6186]

Growing up I loved “Then Came Bronson”.

[@MaryElizabeth99]

I feel so sad in your passing. You were a part of my teenage years and beyond. I am now 65. Your gentle way about you and voice made me want to know you through your acting. I watched Then Came Bronson weekly and loved you so much in Wild Seed. Rest in Peace gentle soul

[@d.s.mellen4241]

You sound just like me! Loved him in Then Came Bronson and Wild Seed. Just got done watching it on TCM - watching Bus Riley now. I just found out today that he passed away in May. Very sad.

[@joannoriol6444]

I'm 66, loved him also for the same reasons and thought he was so o o cute.

[@carolebauer9394]

Loved him! Loved his singing, loved Then came Bronson...

[@stevenrichards3699]

I loved "Then came Bronson" as a kid .My Dad and I counldn't wait for that show to come on every week! I wish that series would have went 7 or 8 years ! R.I.P. Michael Parks !

[@lauramarzz2220]

A GREAT ACTOR HAS PASSED ! AFTER ' MICHEL PARKS ' WAS BORN , THEY BROKE THE MOLD ! HE WAS A TALENT BEYOND COMPARE AND I DON'T THINK WE'LL EVER SEE ANOTHER QUITE LIKE HIM AGAIN . AS AN ACTOR , WITH HIS SOFT GENTLE VOICE AND SENSITIVE , WARM AND CARING MANNERISMS , HE COULD MAKE YOU LOVE HIM , ALL THE WHILE ENDEARING HIMSELF TO YOUR EVERY WHIM . IN SOME OF HIS FILMS , HE COULD ALSO MAKE YOU ANGRY AND HATE HIM ; WHILE INDULGING ON YOUR SYMPATHIES AT THE SAME TIME , ESPECIALLY WHILE GENTLY SINGING A SONG , OR HOLDING YOU CLOSE AND FAST . THIS IS WHAT THE INGREDIENCE WAS IN HIS PERSONALITY THAT MADE , ' MICHAEL PARKS ' A REAL , ACTOR . IT WAS AS IF A HIGHER POWER WAS USING THI S'WONDERFUL ACTOR TO SPEAK TO US . MICHAEL YOU MAY BE GONE , BUT CERTAINLY NOT FORGOTTEN AND THANKS FOR JUST BEING ' Y O U ' ! MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU , R.I.P. !

[@john-martin]

Zeldaisbae231 are you an entenmann or a parks?

[@patrickgallimore6896]

@Zeldaisbae231 I watched "Wild Seed" on KZbin, recently, and enjoyed it, immensely...Your uncle owned the screen, in every scene of every movie he ever did...You should be very proud of his brilliant body of work...All the best!

[@patrickgallimore6896]

@Zeldaisbae231 You're most welcome.

[@DFox-ud3gx]

Michael pave the road every week on the show I just followed I even bought the move Then came Bronson even brought the cap. What a inspiration rubber side down. Hell the man could even sing to.🇺🇸

[@joannoriol6444]

Really loved his acting and he was my #1 heart throb when he was young and I was a girl. Loved him in wild seed and Bronson. Really good looking young man very good actor, loved his gentle quiet ways.🌻

[@oldbiff8194]

goodbye Sir.. we all wanted to be you; or hang with you... God Bless

[@carola7624]

oldbiff he was the coolest dude ever!! handsome beyond belief and just soo cool. RIP Michael

[@rsherman5993]

ty for posting this. I just learned he passed away... what a fine fine actor. he had a sensitive singing voice. i loved him as fargo in the wild seed and then so anticipated watching then came bronson. he was a perfect adam in the bible movie. i always wished him love and joy..he seemed sad. rest in peace, michael

[@veikkovekaman2559]

Man I really Love You, You were my teenage IDOL, dreaming of Harley Davidsons, now I’m sixty and own two, younger I don’t have money enougt buy bike. I’m livingn -70:s again, RIP.

[@fredfungalspore]

Something about him reminded me of James Dean and beautiful music to his life's work of acting .RIP

[@Garapetsa]

This guy was black listed from Hollywood because he didn't want to play to their rules! He was brilliant!! His range was way better than James Dean. Brando saw this ..knew Michael was competition! The man should have been in more film!

[@john-martin]

H Pn theres much more to the stories. the only ones you’re aware of are the ones you can find on the internet. but thats only the tip of the iceberg.

[@MichaelSmith-jw8qw]

great actor, still recall show Then Came Bronson--will miss him a lot

[@DFox-ud3gx]

RIP*MICHAEL PARKS YOU MADE ME DISCOVER MY OPEN ROAD I'VE BEEN RIDING SINCE THE 70's.🙏🏻🇺🇸RIP

[@scottjones5455]

So happy to know he got to get old. So many wild ones have not. I really didn't know he had passed until now.

[@kathylawrence9567]

I think he was better than James Dean. Just watched Bus Riley's back in town and it showed his comedy side and serious too.. What an actor that makes your heart melt. So good and SO handsome. I loved Then Came Bronson. What a hunk.

[@bigdeal39]

An amazing Talented actor...I remember first seeing him in "Bus Riley's back in town" and then played in one of my most favorite Movies and program of ALL TIME "Then Came Bronson" he had a certain james dean look and quality about him ! R.I.P. Michael Parks

[@caroljewell4936]

great actor always was sort of like James Dean. both great actors. god bless.

[@costars2]

Thank you for this! It was lovely. I knew him for a brief shining moment as acting students at El Camino Community College & following his career brightened my path.

[@eat_my_shorts1]

It hurts to see beautiful people like this pass away. It truly hurts' great human beings pass like blazing shooting stars and Mark our lives like the deepest feeling one can hold dearly in our souls. Truly this is a feeling that holds life and people you really don't even know but you can relate in some way. Godspeed

[@joetallon4968]

He was truly a gifted actor! I’ve seen him in several movies and shows, but to me he will always be Jim Bronson! RIP!

[@danwhiteman2529]

Thanks for the upload! Great Actor, He will be missed. I bought my 1st motorcycle after watching Then Came Bronson series with my Dad. :-)

[@wilstandridge7388]

R.I.P. Met him years ago at a country night club around the time Urban Cowboy came out, good guy.

[@dottielovett5526]

was little girl when then came Bronson was on had crush on him always enjoyed his work always had a haunting look about him rip

[@bwayland1290]

He & Chris Jones seemed "Heir apparent ' in the 1960s, to the late James Dean. Both admired Dean, but both had acting ability that made them more than ' Heir Apparent ' to anyone. I was very sorry to hear of Michael Parks death . His variety of characters he played showed his enormous range as an Actor..

[@Jeaniesunshine-fb5rk]

I am 76, I have always been a can of Names Dean.. However I knew Michael Parks was the true artist...actor...the world has lost some of it brightness without you...mete you at our mutual friends antique shop on Cannery Row. She was your buddy and you both had a laugh at my awkwardness.... Bless your journey.... Jeanie.

[@bayernlover1]

rip Michael one of the greats , he was a handsome devil back in the day

[@scottjones5455]

He got to be with Ann- Margret when she was the hottest woman alive. If I find out he was gay I'll be a little disappointed. But still love him anyway.

[@jimhill6586]

Then came bronson was inspiring to me when I was a pre teen. The bike, the freedom, the stories. I have the original 45 for the theme song sang by Michael Parks. I even ride a Harley. The different characters Michael Parks played were all a bit different. The movie Tusk was a favorite.

[@vleldaddio210]

What a bummer !! Thank's Mr.Parks for your great performances ,was just looking for a new DVD of TCB to replace the one I bought in May 2000 !! Did not know MP had passed away !! Per your advice I'm going to "Hang In There " Because of You ! RIP

[@G.lz13]

C'est un grand acteur que j adore en plus il a une beauté étant jeune qui n à rien à envier aux plus beaux acteurs hollywoodien pour toujours tu es l un des mes acteurs préfères tu seras toujours graver dans mon coeur à jamais 💖i will Nevers forger toi l'ISS 💋💋💋

[@joannoriol6444]

They are not saying how he died anywhere. How did he die??????

[@gerardlacey9384]

Lovely video, many thanks, I absolutely loved the TV series back in the early 70s in my early teens, it gave me a lifelong love of motorcycles. I have my xs eleven since 1981. I really loved the intro, Wherever I end up I guess. R.i.p. Michael, I hope you're still riding wherever you are! Many thanks again. Gérard lacey in Ireland. Xxx

[@leroybrowntm1251]

I was 8 yrs old & saw the happening & the one character that impressed me was micael.parks. I believe it was 1967 & the supremes had a #1 hit from the movie. one of my favorite movie memories.I never saw him until all the quentin tarrantino movies in later years & he was awesome & played in walker texas ranger w/ chuck norris as a villain. sad to hear the passing of one of the greatest actors of all time. R.I.P. Micael.

[@caroljewell4936]

we will miss you till we meet again.

[@paulacarron805]

Never missed a performance! Sad Part of my growing years. Then came Bronson ❤️

[@s.a.street3231]

He was so handsome. First saw him in "Bus Riley's Back In Town" but "Then Came Bronson" was an exceptional series.

[@rsrobboman]

R.I.P A great actor, and biker

[@sqd37l]

we all wish we could be as cool as Michael Parks

[@BOOMNERD51]

1965 then, "Then Came Bronson movies my fave!

[@wacobob56dad]

Cool show. “Hang in there”.

[@michaelmartinez1345]

This is an interesting sort of a Decollage/anthology of the life of Michael Parks. He was very versatile in his roles as an actor... I liked his performance in a late 70's movie called 'Sidewinder One' . He seemed to fit the role quite well, as an aging professional motorcycle racer. Even though it was a 'B' rated reduced budget movie, it was rich in excitement, pretty women, beautiful scenery, great classic MX racing action scenes from the late 70's and lots of classic dirt bikes!!! It was AWESOME!!!

[@joannoriol6444]

Very, very nice thank you. I loved the young Michael when I was a girl.

[@thommeinert9072]

Thank You Michael!!! A Great Actor! We all held our breath during the hill climb segment from Then Came Bronson! Wowwwwww- Excellent R.I.P. Musician/Artist USA- ThomMeinert

[@bretthunt6306]

I've have been a flim & tv bluff for 47 years & counting, in my opinion America made the very best productions. My favourite period is the 1940s to early 1980s i have many Heroes Elvis Presley Steve McQueen Paul Newman Robert Redford Dustin Hoffman Marlon Brando Rock Hudson Charles Bronson James Garner Yul Brynner Donald Sutherland James Coburn Jack Nicholson To name just a few, but without a hesitation the two most frightening convincing actors on the planet are Michael Parks and William Smith I was genuinely saddened to lean of the passing of Michael, as everyone else here has stated an much underrated genius! Also I've just noticed his speech patterns & vocal tone & infections are very similar to Hal Holbrook Rest in peace Michael you've brought & are still bringing a lot of joy, & happiness to the world with your acting

[@nutritionalblockbusters7690]

This guy was one of the best in his time....

[@davidbrill1237]

Frozen in time .... thank you !

[@vnrjn8]

A fantastic actor.

[@craigperry3390]

GREAT PRESENCE ON FILM, SIMILAR TO JAMES DEAN, GOD BLESS HIS SOUL!~

[@manxx3028]

Great Times 🙏

[@hatednyc]

Wow. I JUST watched Tusk and didn’t realize it was him

[@joejackson9546]

The Coolest

[@michaelhester1328]

Really really really underloved actor

[@JosephSmith-mp1sr]

Michael Parks was a brilliant actor

[@tomslick2058]

He was stunning looking in his 20s. Then its like his looks completely changed very eary in life.like two different people.

[@madjazzmike]

So sorry 👋 but time takes us All ‘💕 eventually, fab actor ,enjoy his films, R IP .🌈.

[@Magnetron33]

Awesome in the Kill Bill movies

[@wendybutler1681]

Just watched "Bad Seed". Basically a two character study of the human condition. I highly, highly recommend. He was magnificent in his portrayal. It's right here on KZbin.

[@wendybutler1681]

I forgot about him being on Twin Peaks! What a trip that show was! Mu son and I would mutter wacky lines from it to crack each other up at inopportune times.

[@ElChupacabra77B]

He's dead already!!! Man what a surprise!!! He kinda reminds me of a young Gordon Lightfoot even though he doesn't sound like him when he sings!!!

[@georgemurray5668]

So sad

[@PaulieAFantoneJays19]

Great tribute vid (but you didn't mention one of his best films he was a part of...1991's The Hitman!)

[@jeffleekoch]

Paulie A. Fantone Hey, that's right and my fav. was China Lake Murders. it's a made for T.V. movie on USA network. on youtube - enjoy it.

[@rsrobboman]

ad a bit of a James dean thing going on in wild seed

[@Qingeaton]

Does someone know the reason we can't watch the "Then came Bronson" series anywhere? It's like the tapes dropped off the face of the earth.

[@jodylowe8476]

He should have been a household name.

[@jeffleekoch]

China Lake Murders. it's a made for T.V. movie on USA network. on youtube - enjoy it. 1996.

[@frankgraham1996]

Parks was Finishing the life of James Dean although he was not close to Dean in ability he tried to pretend he was Dean.

[@jadrankabukvic3051]

Najbolji glumac(negativac) u filmu Kill Bil 1 i 2.

[@skygazer6898]

Does anyone know the name of the film that Michael starred in where he rode around on his motorbike shooting dead people when he thought they had broken the law? In one scene he made someone get in the boot of the car and left them for dead.

[@angieedwards3650]

China Lake Murders. Its here on KZbin

[@ryansmith554]

From dusk till dawn forever !!! You bucking for early retirement ?

[@joannoriol6444]

Nobody seems to know how he died.