Background
Bottoms was born in Santa Barbara, California, the third son of James "Bud" Bottoms (a sculptor and art teacher) and Betty (Chapman), both of whom survive him.
Bottoms was born in Santa Barbara, California, the third son of James "Bud" Bottoms (a sculptor and art teacher) and Betty (Chapman), both of whom survive him.
He ended up playing the character of Billy in the movie, who has no spoken lines, but contributes a pivotal role in the drama. Five years later, Bottoms appeared with Clint Eastwood in The Outlaw Josey Wales. Bottoms may be best remembered for his role as surfer Lance Johnson, a Navy Gunner"s Mate stationed on a river boat in Francis Ford Coppola"s 20th century opus, Apocalypse Now.
According to author Peter Biskind, he acquired hookworm during the chaotic production in the Philippines, and the parasite "wrecked his liver".
