One of four acting brothers, Bottoms starred alongside older sibling Timothy in The Last Picture Show (1971). His best known role came in Apocalypse Now (1979), as acid dropping pro-surfer Lance Johnson, with his other films including The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976), Bronco Billy (1980), Seabiscuit (2003) and Sherrybaby (2006).
- Read Sam Bottoms's Times Obituary
- Read Sam Bottoms's Herald Obituary