Joe Turkel obituary: “The Shining” actor dies at 94 – Legacy.com
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Joe Turkel (1927–2022), actor who played “The Shining” bartender

by Linnea Crowther

Joe Turkel was an actor known for roles including Lloyd, the ghostly bartender in “The Shining.”

Acting career

Turkel began acting after serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. Beginning in the late 1940s, he had many small roles in movies and in early TV shows including “I’m the Law” and “The Lone Ranger.” He appeared in Stanley Kubrick’s (1928–1999) first film, “The Killing,” as well as the noted director’s “Paths of Glory” and “The Shining.” His performance as Lloyd in “The Shining” was iconic, inspiring homages and parodies. Turkel’s next movie role after the shining was in the cult classic “Blade Runner,” playing Dr. Eldon Tyrell, CEO of the company that creates replicants. His other movie credits included “King Rat” and “The Sand Pebbles.” Turkel also appeared in many TV shows over decades, including “The Untouchables,” “The Andy Griffith Show,” “Bonanza,” “Kojak,” “Fantasy Island,” and “Miami Vice.”

Notable quote

“A ton of humor on the set of ‘The Shining.’ Because I had a rapport with Stanley (Kubrick). We’re both the same age. I’m a year older. Stanley came from the Bronx. I’m from the Bronx. I’m from Brooklyn. And when there was nobody around we carried on. Oh we carried on like kids talking about Joe DeMaggio and Joe Lewis. Those were our heroes.” —from a 1999 interview for BladeZone

Tributes to Joe Turkel

Full obituary: Variety

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