Key Points
William Petersen revisited his breakout role from To Live and Die in L.A. at a Los Angeles screening
The film was originally released in 1985 and directed by William Friedkin
Petersen recalled a dangerous stunt filmed nearly 400 feet above the harbor
The movie helped launch his Hollywood career and led to Manhunter
The thriller remains a respected cult classic nearly four decades later
Engaging Introduction
Nearly 40 years after its release, To Live and Die in L.A. continues to resonate with fans of gritty crime cinema—and so does the memory of making it. William Petersen recently reflected on his experience filming the 1985 thriller during a special anniversary screening in Los Angeles, revisiting the role that helped shape his career.
A Return to the Film That Changed Everything
Petersen appeared at Beyond Fest at the American Cinematheque, where the film was celebrated in front of a live audience. Speaking with PEOPLE, the actor described the project as a defining moment in his career.
At the time of filming, Petersen was transitioning from stage acting to major film roles. His performance in director William Friedkin’s intense crime thriller became his first major Hollywood breakthrough.
The Stunt That Still Stands Out
One of Petersen’s most vivid memories involves a nerve-racking stunt filmed on the Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro. The scene placed him nearly 400 feet above the harbor during a cold early-morning shoot.
He recalled standing on the bridge railing at 7 a.m., gripping a cable and looking down at the water far below. The moment made him reflect on the surreal journey from theater stages in Canada to performing life-threatening stunts in Los Angeles.
“That was a great day of shooting,” Petersen told PEOPLE, calling the sequence one of the most unforgettable moments of the entire production.
Why the Film Still Matters Today
To Live and Die in L.A. has endured as a cult classic, praised for its raw realism, tense action, and groundbreaking visual style. The film’s depiction of Secret Service agents battling a dangerous counterfeiting ring pushed boundaries for crime thrillers of its era.
Its bold cinematography, relentless pacing, and influential soundtrack continue to echo through modern crime dramas and action films.
From Cult Thriller to Career Launchpad
The success and visibility of To Live and Die in L.A. directly opened doors for Petersen’s next major role in Michael Mann’s Manhunter. That performance further cemented his reputation as a leading man in dark, psychologically complex stories.
His later work would span decades, including his long-running success on television, but Petersen has often credited this 1985 film as the moment everything changed.
Why Petersen’s Reflection Resonates Now
With so many classic films being rediscovered by new generations through repertory screenings and streaming, Petersen’s reflection adds emotional weight to the movie’s legacy. It underscores how physical risk, bold storytelling, and fearless performances shaped an era of filmmaking that still influences Hollywood today.
What Happens Next?
As To Live and Die in L.A. approaches its 40th anniversary, renewed interest in the film is expected through festival screenings and potential restoration projects. Petersen’s appearance at Beyond Fest suggests the film’s legacy is far from fading—and its most iconic moments remain just as powerful for today’s audiences.
