Actor Peter Jason, celebrated for his roles in The Karate Kid and numerous television shows including NCIS, has sadly passed away on February 20 at the age of 80. While the cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, the actor’s passing marks the end of a prolific career that spanned decades.

Jason was a familiar face in both film and television, with a career that began in the 1960s. He became a respected character actor, frequently collaborating with director John Carpenter on iconic films such as Halloween. News of his death broke on February 20, sparking tributes from both fans and colleagues.

John Carpenter, known for his work on the Halloween series, shared heartfelt condolences on social media, stating, “Peter Jason, one of the great character actors in cinema, has died. His first movie was Howard Hawks’ RIO LOBO. He was a dear friend, and I’ll miss him terribly.”

Billy Zane, who starred with Jason in The Man Who Came Back (2008) and The Downside of Bliss (2020), also expressed his sorrow on Instagram. Zane shared a touching tribute with a series of photos, describing Jason as “the brightest light, most generous soul, and gregarious of men,” adding that Jason had left “the set” for good.

Throughout his illustrious career, Peter Jason amassed an impressive 267 acting credits, including appearances in beloved television shows like Hawaii Five-O, Hart to Hart, The Golden Girls, and major films like Seabiscuit and Village of the Damned. He was also known for his portrayal of Con Stapleton, the card dealer on 26 episodes of HBO’s Deadwood.

Jason’s contributions to the entertainment industry have left a lasting impact, and he is survived by his wife, Eileen, and daughter, Robin Goldwasser.