"Beloved Character Actor M. Emmet Walsh Passes Away at 88"

M. Emmet Walsh, a prolific character actor known for his roles in films like "Blood Simple" and "Blade Runner," has died at the age of 88. Described as "the poet of sleaze" by Roger Ebert, Walsh was praised for his naturalistic portrayals of repellent lowlifes and miscreants. He was also known for the Stanton-Walsh Rule, which stated that no movie featuring either Harry Dean Stanton or M. Emmet Walsh in a supporting role can be altogether bad. Walsh's performance in "Straight Time" led to a role in "Blood Simple," the first feature film by Joel and Ethan Coen, where he captured a mischievousness perfect for the role.