Bob Penny spent three decades teaching English at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, but he is better recognised for his work as a minor player in more than 30 films, television programmes, and commercials.
On Christmas Day 2022, Penny passed away at the age of 87.
Who was Bob Penny?
Dr. Robert “Bob” Lynn Penny was raised in North Carolina despite being born in Anniston, Alabama, in 1935.
He enrolled in Wofford College in South Carolina to begin his own studies before transferring to Columbia University in New York City.
His PhD was awarded by the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa after he received his Master’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
He finally settled in Birmingham, where he taught a course called Poetry and Prose for the following two decades, after reclaiming his Alabama roots in Tuscaloosa.
He eventually retired from the University in 1990.
What roles was Bob Penny most well-known for?
The roles that Bob Penny played in Forrest Gump, Sweet Home Alabama, and My Cousin Vinny are most well-known.
In the Heat of the Night and The Legend of Bagger Vance both featured him in supporting parts.
He said of the jobs, “I felt incredibly blessed,” to AL.com in 2008. I had these pretty minor parts, but they undoubtedly assisted in covering the mortgage.
He was a driving factor behind many local theatre plays when he wasn’t instructing or acting.
Additionally, he appeared in numerous commercials in the Southeast.
Was Bob Penny married?
Nobody ever knew Bob Penny to be married.
He is survived by his sister Jean and brothers William.
Additionally, he leaves behind one nephew and six nieces.
At this time, the cause of death remains unknown.
