Powers Boothe, Famed Film Bad Guy, Dies at 68

LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Powers Boothe, the Emmy-winning star of "Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones" and the steely villain in HBO's "Deadwood," died Sunday of natural causes at his Los Angeles home, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

The famed character actor was best known for his portrayals of bad guys in the films "Sin City," "Avengers: World Security Council" and "Tombstone."

Boothe, a Texas native, was 68. He began his decades-long career in theater, performing in Shakespearean productions such as "Henry IV." Boothe debuted on Broadway in the late 1970s, playing in "Lone Star" and "Private Wars."

Boothe landed the lead role of Jim Jones in the 1980s "Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones." He won an Emmy Award for lead actor for his portrayal of the cult leader during an actors strike and chose to cross the picket line to accept his trophy, saying, "This may be either the bravest moment of my career or the dumbest,"the Reporter said.

Boothe's close friend Beau Bridges broke the news of his death Sunday on Twitter, saying, "It's with great sadness that I mourn the passing of my friend Powers Boothe. A dear friend, great actor, devoted father and husband."

Fan and friends alike took to Twitter to share their memories.

"God bless Powers Booth. Our very own Curly Bill from Tombstone. A true original," tweeted Val Kilmer.

"Lost a pal yesterday," tweeted Gary Sinise. "Powers Boothe was a wonderful actor, person & friend. Rest in Peace brother. I will miss you."

A Boothe representative told the Reporter a private service will be held in Texas, with a memorial celebration under consideration.

Donations in his name can be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation, which honors the nation's defenders, veterans, first responders, their families and those in need.

City News and Patch staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.

Photo: Actor Powers Boothe arrives to the 35th AFI Life Achievement Award tribute to Al Pacino held at the Kodak Theatre on June 7, 2007, in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Stephen Shugerman/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images for AFI)