Notable Actors from the ‘Terminator’ Franchise Who Have Died

The ‘Terminator’ universe spans decades of films and television, and its cast list reads like a who’s who of character actors and scene stealers. Along the way, the franchise has lost several memorable performers whose work helped shape its tone and texture. This roundup revisits the roles they played and the careers they built beyond Skynet and time loops.

You will find familiar faces from pivotal scenes that fans still quote as well as veterans whose screen time was brief but unforgettable. Each entry highlights exactly where they appear in the franchise and what else defined their legacies, along with clear details about when they passed away.

Earl Boen

Earl Boen appears as Dr. Peter Silberman in ‘The Terminator’, ‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’, and ‘Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines’, with an additional voice appearance connected to the franchise’s media. His dry delivery as the skeptical psychiatrist who keeps crossing paths with Sarah and the Connors became one of the series’ recurring touchstones.

Outside the franchise he worked steadily in film, television, theater, and voice acting across animation and video games. He died on January 5, 2023, at age 81 in Hawaii, leaving behind a long resume that stretched from stage productions to blockbuster projects.

Anton Yelchin

Anton Yelchin plays Kyle Reese in ‘Terminator Salvation’, bringing a youthful take on the future resistance fighter first introduced to audiences by another actor in the original film. His performance connects the prequel era to the mythos by showing how Reese develops the skills and instincts that later define him.

He was a prolific performer across independent films and studio releases, including acclaimed work in science fiction and drama. He died on June 19, 2016, at age 27 in Los Angeles after a tragic accident, and his posthumous releases were dedicated to his memory.

Bill Paxton

Bill Paxton appears in ‘The Terminator’ as the blue haired punk encountered by the title character in an early scene. The moment is brief, but his presence adds attitude and helps establish the menace and dark humor that the film balances throughout.

Paxton became known for a wide range of roles across action, science fiction, and prestige television, earning award nominations and a reputation for versatility. He died on February 25, 2017, at age 61 following complications from surgery, and colleagues widely celebrated his decades of work.

Paul Winfield

Paul Winfield portrays Lieutenant Ed Traxler in ‘The Terminator’, the weary but determined police officer trying to protect Sarah Connor during the first wave of chaos. His scenes ground the story in procedural reality and give weight to the human cost of the chase.

Winfield was an Academy Award nominee earlier in his career and appeared in numerous films and television series while also lending his distinctive voice to narration and animation. He died on March 7, 2004, at age 62 in Los Angeles following a heart attack.

Dick Miller

Dick Miller plays the pawn shop owner in ‘The Terminator’, the clerk who unwittingly outfits the killer with firepower. The exchange is short and sharp, and it is one of many memorable character turns Miller delivered for genre filmmakers across multiple decades.

His career stretched back to collaborations with noted directors and he became a beloved face in horror, science fiction, and cult favorites. He died on January 30, 2019, at age 90 in Los Angeles, and tributes often cited his encyclopedic list of credits.

Franco Columbu

Franco Columbu appears in ‘The Terminator’ as a future war machine glimpsed in a battlefield flash. The cameo nods to his real life background in bodybuilding and his long friendship with the franchise’s leading star, which predated both of their screen careers.

Columbu won multiple bodybuilding titles and also worked as a chiropractor and author while taking occasional on screen roles. He died on August 30, 2019, at age 78 in Sardinia after a reported incident while swimming.

Robert Winley

Robert Winley is the barroom tough who squares off with the lead character in the opening of ‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’. His brief confrontation sets up an iconic wardrobe handoff and helps reintroduce the central figure with gritty energy.

Winley appeared in a variety of film and television roles that often leaned into his imposing look, including westerns and action projects. He died on October 22, 2001, at age 48 in Los Angeles, and his biker roles remain fan favorites.

Leslie Hamilton Gearren

Leslie Hamilton Gearren serves as Linda Hamilton’s twin stand in in ‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’, most notably in mirror and hallway shots where the T 1000 mimics Sarah. Using a real twin allowed the production to land in camera illusions that still hold up for modern audiences.

She worked as a nurse for many years and only occasionally participated in screen work when productions needed a twin for specialized shots. She died on August 22, 2020, at age 63 in New Jersey, and retrospectives often highlight how her participation enabled key effects.

Pete Schrum

Pete Schrum appears in ‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’ as the cigar smoking biker who watches the tense barroom exchange unfold. The role is small but the image of him behind the counter has become part of the sequence fans revisit.

Schrum accumulated credits across television and film, frequently cast as bartenders, blue collar workers, and authority figures thanks to his distinctive look and gravelly voice. He died on February 17, 2003, at age 66 in Sherman Oaks, California.

Tony Jay

Tony Jay contributes narration connected to ‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’ materials released for home video and special editions, adding his unmistakable baritone to set the mood. His voice work helped frame the story for viewers discovering extended cuts and behind the scenes content.

Jay was renowned for stage and voice performances in animation and games, as well as guest roles on live action television. He died on August 13, 2006, at age 73 in Los Angeles from complications following surgery.

Joe Unger

Joe Unger was cast as a police officer in ‘The Terminator’, and while his scene was ultimately deleted for the theatrical release, his involvement remains part of the film’s production history and appears in supplemental materials. His association with the project is noted in making of features and archival photos.

Unger worked steadily in film and television through character parts in crime stories, horror, and westerns. He died on June 2, 2019, at age 75 in Lake Arrowhead, California.

Elizabeth Peña

Elizabeth Peña appears in ‘Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles’ as a key guest character within the series storyline, contributing to the show’s exploration of conspiracies and the evolving threat. Her episodes expand the franchise’s reach on television and connect human choices to machine consequences.

Peña’s career includes acclaimed film roles and a broad slate of television work, along with voice performances for animated features. She died on October 14, 2014, at age 55 in Los Angeles due to complications of cirrhosis.

Share the names or scenes you think we should add to this list in the comments so everyone can remember their favorite moments from the franchise.