Notable ‘Sons of Anarchy’ Actors Who Have Died

‘Sons of Anarchy’ remains a prominent crime drama in television history due to its storytelling and portrayal of motorcycle club culture. The show featured an ensemble cast that brought depth to the fictional town of Charming for seven seasons. Fans grew attached to the characters and the performers who brought them to life on the screen. Several talented actors who contributed to this series have sadly passed away since their time on the show.

William Lucking

William Lucking portrayed the gruff Piermont ‘Piney’ Winston who was a co-founder of the club within the show’s lore. His character struggled with health issues and often carried an oxygen tank while remaining a fierce defender of the club’s original vision. Lucking brought a sense of history to the series as the father of fan favorite Opie Winston. The actor passed away in 2021 at the age of 80 following a lengthy career in film and television.

Johnny Lewis

Johnny Lewis gained popularity for his role as Kip ‘Half-Sack’ Epps during the first two seasons of the show. His character was a prospective member who endured hazing and various dangerous assignments while trying to earn his patch. Lewis left the series creatively before his life ended tragically in 2012 at the young age of 28. The events surrounding his death were widely reported by news outlets at the time.

Sonny Barger

Sonny Barger was unique among the cast because he was a founding member of the Oakland chapter of the Hells Angels in real life. He played Lenny ‘The Pimp’ Janowitz who was one of the First 9 members incarcerated during the events of the series. His casting provided a direct link to the real world motorcycle club culture that the show emulated. Barger passed away in 2022 at the age of 83 after a battle with cancer.

Alan O’Neill

Alan O’Neill joined the cast in the sixth and seventh seasons to play the character Hugh. Hugh was a member of the Real IRA and worked alongside the club during their complex dealings with gun distribution in California. The Irish actor had previously established a strong career in the United Kingdom before landing his role in the American drama. O’Neill died in 2018 at the age of 47 due to a heart condition.

Dimitri Diatchenko

Dimitri Diatchenko played the role of a Russian mob enforcer in the show who clashed with the protagonists. His character was central to some of the early conflicts that defined the violent world of the motorcycle club. Diatchenko was known for often playing Russian or Eastern European characters due to his background and linguistic skills. The actor was found dead in his home in 2020 after suffering an accidental overdose.

Dave Legeno

Dave Legeno was a British actor and mixed martial artist who appeared in the third season of the series. He was physically imposing and often cast as tough enforcers or villains in various projects, including his well-known role as Fenrir Greyback in the ‘Harry Potter’ film franchise. His contribution to the show added to the gritty atmosphere during the club’s dealings with European connections. Legeno tragically died in 2014 while hiking in Death Valley, California, where he succumbed to heat-related issues.

Mike Hagerty

Mike Hagerty was a recognizable character actor known for his thick Chicago accent and mustache, often playing blue-collar workers. While he is perhaps best remembered for his recurring role as Mr. Treeger in the sitcom ‘Friends’, his extensive filmography included a dramatic turn in ‘Sons of Anarchy’. His presence on the show demonstrated his range beyond the comedic roles that defined much of his career. Hagerty passed away in 2022 at the age of 67 following a seizure caused by an adverse reaction to medication.

Lee Weaver

Lee Weaver was a veteran actor with a career spanning over six decades in Hollywood, often stealing scenes in character roles. He appeared in ‘Sons of Anarchy’, bringing his unique energy to the screen as he had done in previous projects like ‘The Bill Cosby Show’ and ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?’. Weaver was known for his versatility and his ability to leave a lasting impression even with limited screen time. The actor died in September 2025 at the age of 95, leaving behind a vast body of work in television and film.

Brad William Henke

Brad William Henke was a former NFL player who successfully transitioned into acting, building a robust resume in television dramas. He appeared in ‘Sons of Anarchy’ as a construction foreman, utilizing his physical stature to embody the rugged nature of the show’s world. Henke gained further acclaim for his role as the intimidating corrections officer Desi Piscatella in ‘Orange Is the New Black’. He passed away in his sleep in November 2022 at the age of 56.

Please leave a comment below to honor the memories of these actors or to discuss your favorite moments featuring their characters.