Sons of Anarchy, though an older show at this point, made quite the impact on viewers. The combination of a hard biker’s lifestyle and a deep sense of family values made it a powerful watch. The fact that many members of the titular biker gang were actually family (or felt like it) helped. In fact, there was a time when Breaking Bad and Sons of Anarchy were both simultaneously at their height, and it was what some call the greatest point of dramatic TV in the last decade. The show was even strong enough to warrant a sequel series as well. Sadly, all good things, and the actors portraying them, must come to an end. It was announced recently that William Lucking, who played Piney Winston on Sons of Anarchy, passed at 80 in his Las Vegas home.
Lucking Embodies the Sons of Anarchy Motto
William Lucking’s character, though minor in the roster, was important overall. As Piney Winston, William Lucking was one of the original founders of the Sons. He, along with eight other bikers including Clay Morrow (Ron Perlman) and John Teller, the father of Jax, came together to make the crew what it is in the show. He’s also the father of Opie, Jax’s best friend. Over time, he became the motorcycle club’s oldest member and one of its senior advisors. William Lucking himself was praised as being a very kind yet free-thinking soul, not one to let others get to him. He embodies the Sons’ motto of “Live Free or Die” to a tee.
William Lucking leaves a strong legacy in the wake of his passing, even beyond Sons of Anarchy. Throughout the eighties, he played a multitude of characters in many different shows. For instance, M*A*S*H, The A-Team, and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine to name a few. Sadly, as time goes on, actors from that era become fewer. He will be remembered fondly by friends and loved ones alike. At the moment, Lucking’s cause of death is unknown. Further, he is survived by his wife and two daughters, who have asked that people respect their privacy for the time being.