Actor Ben Cooper has died at the age of 86, his nephew has announced.
The actor died on Monday in Memphis, Tennessee.
Cooper’s nephew Peter Searls confirmed his uncle’s passing to The Hollywood Reporter.
The actor’s death came after a long illness, as he reportedly suffered from dementia in the years before his death. The Arizona Raiders actor is said to have been living at a memory care facility in Memphis.
Cooper was best known for his role as Turkey Ralston in Johnny Guitar, which also starred Joan Crawford.
He also appeared in 1963’s Gunfight at Comanche Creek opposite Audie Murphie, as well as Duel at Apache Wells in 1957, and both Support Your Local Gunfighter and One More Train To Rob in 1971.
Best known for appearing in westerns, he told an interview for the Museum of Western Film History that he used to practice his ‘fast draw’ for 90 minutes a day for years to perfect it.
Cooper acted in Gunsmoke three times and TV shows L.A. Law, Kung Fu: The Legend Continues, Dallas and The Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo.
He survived by his daughter Pamela, and his sister Bunny.
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