Eddie Parker; Pool Player Said to Have Inspired ‘The Hustler’
HARLINGEN, Texas — Eddie Parker, the pool shark whose life was said to have inspired the movie “The Hustler,” has died of an apparent heart attack on South Padre Island. He was 69.
Parker, known as “Fast Eddie,” died Friday night at the U.S. Classic Billiards Eight-ball Showdown, officials said.
For the record:
12:00 a.m. Feb. 10, 2001 For the Record
Los Angeles Times Saturday February 10, 2001 Home Edition Metro Part B Page 6 Foreign Desk 2 inches; 66 words Type of Material: Correction
Parker obituary--An Associated Press obituary of pool shark Eddie Parker that ran in The Times on Sunday stated that Parker was credited with inspiring Walter Tevis to write the book and screenplay for “The Hustler,” a 1959 film starring Paul Newman, and a sequel, “The Color of Money.” Although Parker claimed he was the author’s inspiration, Tevis’ widow, Eleanora, maintains that her husband repeatedly denied that Parker or anyone else was the model for the character.
He is credited with inspiring Walter Tevis to write the book and screenplay for “The Hustler,” a 1961 film starring Paul Newman.
Parker was born in Springfield, Mo. He mostly taught himself to play pool, beginning at age 9, when his father bought a used table.
Parker is survived by his wife, Peg.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
