Earl Holliman (born Anthony Earl Numkena on September 11, 1928 in Delhi, Louisiana) is an American film and television actor. He first appeared in film in 1953 and three years later won the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor - Motion Picture for his performance in the 1956 film, The Rainmaker. Amongst his other notable film appearances were in Giant, Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, and Summer and Smoke.
In addition to a successful career in films, Earl Holliman became a popular television personality through his role as Lt. Bill Crowley opposite Angie Dickinson in the "Police Woman" series that ran from 1974 to 1978.
He continued to appear in television guest roles throughout the 1970s and 1980s. His most notable role during this period was in the hit mini series The Thorn Birds with Richard Chamberlain and Rachel Ward. He also took part in the Gunsmoke reunion movie "Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge" in 1987 as Jake Flagg.
He earned a nomination for a Golden Globe Award for "Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a television Series" for his acting with Delta Burke in her short-lived 1992 series, "Delta".
For his contribution to the television industry, Earl Holliman has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6901 Hollywood Blvd.
Holliman is a southern California-based bachelor who never married or had children.