Hollywood has lost one of its most quietly enduring figures — a man whose face became synonymous with the golden age of television and film. He was known for stepping into uniform on-screen as easily as he had in real life, and his unmistakable voice once echoed from both sound studios and warzones.

Throughout his storied career, he appeared in projects alongside some of the biggest names in entertainment, portraying detectives, lieutenants, FBI agents, and more. And even if his name doesn’t instantly come to mind, his presence was unforgettable — the kind of actor who elevated every scene he entered.

He was more than just an actor. Before Hollywood came calling, he’d survived one of the most harrowing chapters of the Korean War. Out of an entire unit, only two men made it out alive — and he was one of them. Later, he worked as a fireman, a policeman, and even produced records under a pseudonym before ever stepping onto a film set.

It’s only in the fourth paragraph that the curtain lifts: James McEachin, a Hollywood veteran and decorated war hero, has died at the age of 94. His passing, which occurred in January, was quietly followed by interment at Los Angeles National Cemetery in April.

McEachin’s legacy includes standout roles in Coogan’s Bluff, Sudden Impact, True Grit, Hello, Dolly! and a long list of iconic TV shows like Perry Mason, Matlock, The Rockford Files, and Hawaii Five-O.

Beyond acting, he was also an accomplished author, having written novels and a memoir that painted a picture of both personal triumph and national history.

James McEachin leaves behind a legacy of resilience, versatility, and integrity — a life that truly earned its place both on screen and in history.