William Petersen Reflects on To Live and Die in L.A. 40 Years Later

William Petersen Reflects on ‘To Live and Die in L.A.’ 40 Years After Cult Classic’s Release

William Petersen recently opened up about filming the iconic crime thriller ‘To Live and Die in L.A.’. The actor shared his memories at a special screening event in Los Angeles. The event marked nearly four decades since the film’s original 1985 release.

Petersen attended Beyond Fest at the American Cinematheque. He spoke with PEOPLE magazine about the experience. His role in the William Friedkin-directed movie was a major career breakthrough.

To Live and Die in L.A.

Heart-Pounding Stunt Defined a Career Moment

Petersen vividly recalled filming a dangerous scene high above Los Angeles. The sequence was shot on the Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro. The actor was positioned almost 400 feet above the harbor.

He described standing on the bridge railing at 7 a.m. on a chilly morning. Petersen held onto a bridge cable while looking down. He remembered wondering how he went from stage acting in Canada to that dizzying height.

“That was a great day of shooting,” Petersen told PEOPLE. The stunt remains one of the film’s most memorable moments. It cemented the movie’s reputation for intense, realistic action.

Enduring Legacy of a Gritty Thriller

‘To Live and Die in L.A.’ has grown into a respected cult classic over 40 years. Its gritty depiction of Secret Service agents felt raw and authentic. The film’s style and soundtrack continue to influence modern crime dramas.

For Petersen, the project launched a successful Hollywood career. It led directly to his starring role in ‘Manhunter’. His reflections highlight how a single film can define an actor’s trajectory and legacy.

The actor’s candid memories provide a fresh look at this classic film. ‘To Live and Die in L.A.’ continues to captivate audiences with its raw energy. Petersen’s journey from that bridge to stardom is a testament to the film’s lasting impact.

A quick knowledge drop for you

Who directed ‘To Live and Die in L.A.’?

The film was directed by the legendary William Friedkin. He is best known for classics like ‘The French Connection’ and ‘The Exorcist’. His direction gave the film its gritty, realistic pace and tone.

When was ‘To Live and Die in L.A.’ released?

The crime thriller was originally released on November 1, 1985. The recent event with William Petersen celebrated its upcoming 40th anniversary. It has since become a cult favorite among film enthusiasts.

What was significant about the bridge scene?

The scene was filmed on the Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro, California. Petersen performed the stunt roughly 400 feet above the water. It is remembered as one of the film’s most visually striking and tense sequences.

How did the film affect William Petersen’s career?

The role served as Petersen’s major breakthrough in Hollywood. It directly led to him being cast as the lead in ‘Manhunter’. His career was profoundly shaped by this early, gritty performance.