Walter Kohl Sudduth (born August 8, 1974) is an American actor.[1] He is best known for his role as Luther "Suitcase" Simpson in nine Jesse Stone television films.[2]
Walter Kohl Sudduth was born August 8, 1974, in Granada Hills, Los Angeles, the younger brother of actor Skipp Sudduth. He was raised in the small town of Circleville, Ohio.[1] Sudduth acted in several high school plays, including Cheaper by the Dozen and Flowers for Algernon,[2] before attending Ohio University, where he focused his energies on music. During his college years, Sudduth was the guitarist and vocalist of Edison, a punk rock band that played throughout the American Midwest. He graduated in 1995 with a BA in English.[1][3]
In 1995, Sudduth moved to New York City to pursue a professional acting career. He appeared regularly at improv comedy clubs and theaters such as the Red Room to hone his comedy skills.[3] Sudduth made his film debut in director John Turturro's Illuminata (1997) playing Christopher Walken's concubine.[4][5] The following year he appeared in two films, 54 (1998) as Rhett and Rounders (1998) as Wagner with Edward Norton and Matt Damon.[4][5]
Sudduth's breakthrough role came in 1999 with Bowfinger (1999) playing Slater, an aspiring actor, opposite Eddie Murphy, Steve Martin and Heather Graham.[4] The role increased Sudduth's appeal and widened his audience with his capable and charming portrayal of a slacker actor.[editorializing] In 2000, Sudduth appeared in two films, the teen comedy Road Trip (2000) as Mark and the Masterpiece Theater production Cora Unashamed (2000), based on the Langston Hughes short story, as Joe.[4][5]
Sudduth is best known for his role as Luther "Suitcase" Simpson co-starring opposite Tom Selleck in nine Jesse Stone television films (2005–2015).[2][4] He plays bass in his brother Skipp's rock band Minus Ted. He enjoys rock climbing and playing basketball while dividing his time between New York City and Los Angeles, California.[3]
