James Richard Gammon (1940-2010) was an American actor, known for his characteristic raspy voice and his prolific career as a character actor in film, television, and theater. He is best known for two iconic roles: Lou Brown, the irascible but wise baseball team manager in the film *Major League* and its sequels, and Nick Bridges, the protagonist's father in the television series *Nash Bridges*. His theater career was equally significant, marked by a long and fruitful collaboration with playwright Sam Shepard, originating roles in many of his plays, including *Curse of the Starving Class* and *Fool for Love*. His extensive filmography includes appearances in films such as *Silverado*, *Natural Born Killers*, and *Cold Mountain*. For his stage performances, he received numerous accolades, including several Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards, which attested to his talent and versatility.