At 78 years old, William Atherton, a beloved actor from two of the 1980s’ most iconic film franchises, was recently spotted in Los Angeles looking youthful and spry. Fans instantly recognized him, still sporting the dark blonde hair that became his signature in roles like the smarmy bureaucrat Walter Peck in Ghostbusters and the unscrupulous TV reporter Dick Thornburg in Die Hard. Despite decades passing, Atherton’s presence continues to evoke nostalgia for a generation of moviegoers.

Atherton began his Hollywood career in the 1970s, breaking into the industry with a role in Steven Spielberg’s debut feature, The Sugarland Express. Playing an escaped convict alongside Goldie Hawn, he showed early promise, setting the stage for a career that would see him become one of the most memorable “villains” in film history. His work during the following decade would cement his reputation as an actor who could captivate audiences, even as the antagonist.

In 1984, Atherton landed the role of Walter Peck in Ghostbusters, portraying the pompous Environmental Protection Agency inspector who clashes with the Ghostbusters. His performance was so convincing that fans often shouted his character’s lines at him in public, creating such a stir that Atherton once complained to director Ivan Reitman about being unable to enter a bar without provoking confrontations. The role made him a household name and solidified his “love-to-hate” persona.

Four years later, Atherton further showcased his talent for playing unlikable characters with his role as Dick Thornburg in Die Hard. The unscrupulous reporter became a central antagonist in the film, and Atherton reprised the role in Die Hard 2. Fans of Ghostbusters were also delighted when he returned to play Walter Peck in the 2024 release Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, proving that even decades later, his iconic characters remain culturally resonant.

Beyond these memorable roles, Atherton’s career spans a wide array of film and television projects, including The Last Samurai, The Great Gatsby, Law & Order, and Desperate Housewives. Most recently, he starred in the independent film Where Did the Adults Go?, demonstrating his enduring range as an actor and reminding audiences why he remains one of Hollywood’s most respected character actors.