Tom Ligon, the accomplished actor best known for his role as backup catcher Piney Woods in the acclaimed baseball drama Bang the Drum Slowly, has passed away at the age of 85. His death was announced by SAG-AFTRA New York Local, where he had long been an active advocate for senior performers, serving as chair of the National Seniors Committee and co-chair of the New York Seniors Committee.

Ligon earned lasting recognition for his memorable performance in the 1973 film Bang the Drum Slowly. One of the movie’s most touching scenes featured him singing the classic cowboy ballad “Streets of Laredo” in the locker room of the fictional New York Mammoths. The scene, shared with cast members including Robert De Niro, Michael Moriarty, and Danny Aiello, remains a standout moment in the beloved sports drama.

Throughout a career spanning decades, Ligon appeared in numerous films, television series, and stage productions. His film credits included The Last American Hero, Jump (Fury on Wheels), Joyride, and Cutting Class, the latter featuring a young Brad Pitt. On television, he was known for portraying Lucas Prentiss on The Young and the Restless and later appeared in HBO’s prison drama Oz as inmate Alvin Yood.

Born Thomas Bryant Ligon in New Orleans on September 10, 1940, he studied at Yale University before launching a successful acting career in New York. He performed extensively on Broadway and off-Broadway, earning praise for his versatility and dedication to the craft.

Ligon was married to actress and dialect coach Katharine Dunfee Clarke from 1976 until her death in 2009. Remembered for his contributions to film, television, theater, and the acting community, he leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances and decades of artistic achievement.