Luke Askew (March 26, 1932 – March 29, 2012) was an American movie and television actor best known for his role in the 1969 film "Easy Rider". He had a rare lead role in the spaghetti Western "Night of the Serpent" ("La notte dei serpenti" – 1969). Askew began his career in the 1967 Otto Preminger movie "Hurry Sundown" and his career would last until his retirement in 2005. Askew was born in Macon, Georgia. Askew died on March 29, 2012 from lung cancer in his home in Portland, Oregon, he was 80 years old. Askew was never married. 