American actor Bob Penny, known for his memorable appearances in films such as Forrest Gump and Sweet Home Alabama, has passed away at the age of 87. His death was announced publicly on December 25, with the family sharing that a funeral service would be held in Huntsville, Alabama, in the days following the notice.
Penny was more than a screen presence. He was a poet and a dedicated teacher who touched many lives through his work in the classroom and on the stage. His career in education spanned decades, during which he influenced countless students with a steady, encouraging approach and a belief in the transformative power of literature and the performing arts. His contributions to teaching earned him recognition, including a prominent teaching award in the 1970s that celebrated excellence in classroom instruction. His poetry, most notably a collection titled Eve Prologues, received a literary award in 1980, underscoring his dual passion for language and storytelling.
After retiring from his long career in academia, Penny redirected his attention to acting, embracing opportunities that allowed him to expand his craft beyond the classroom. His filmography includes notable appearances in Mississippi Burning (1988) and My Cousin Vinny (1992), where he shared the screen with acclaimed actors and contributed to stories that resonated with broad audiences. His work in cinema earned him a place among character actors who leave a lasting imprint through precise, often understated performances.
In addition to his work in film, Penny appeared on television, stepping onto screens in roles that showcased his versatility. His television credits include a late-20th-century appearance in In the Heat of the Night, a series known for its adaptation of a classic mystery set against social issues of its era. His later television work demonstrated his willingness to explore new formats and continue engaging with audiences long after his film career began to take shape.
Born in Jacksonville, Penny grew up in the southern United States, where he developed a lifelong affinity for storytelling and drama. His early education opened doors to universities such as Columbia and the University of Alabama, where he built a foundation for a career that would blend teaching, poetry, and acting. Throughout his life, he balanced a deep appreciation for literature with a pragmatic, people-centered approach to mentorship, encouraging younger generations to pursue their own creative paths.
Penny’s legacy rests on his multi-faceted contributions. As an educator, he inspired students to think critically and to value the arts as essential components of personal growth. As a poet, he explored themes that bridged personal experience with universal questions, inviting readers to consider different perspectives. And as an actor, he brought warmth, humor, and authenticity to every role, making him a familiar face in both intimate ensemble pieces and larger-scale productions. His passing marks the loss of a figure who steadfastly believed in the power of storytelling to illuminate the human experience.
Friends, former students, and colleagues remember Penny for his generous spirit and his habit of meeting people where they stood, listening first, and then offering thoughtful guidance. Whether in the classroom, on a stage, or in front of a camera, he demonstrated a rare blend of discipline and generosity that left a lasting impression on those who worked with him. His work continues to live on in the memories of audiences and in the countless lives he touched through teaching and creative expression.