Tommy Lee Jones Returns to Red Carpet Months After Daughter's Death
The veteran actor made his first public appearance in nine months at the premiere of "The Lowdown" in Austin, Texas.
Tommy Lee Jones graced the red carpet in Austin, Texas, on Wednesday, marking his first public appearance in over nine months. The event, held at the AFS Cinema, was the premiere for the second season of the FX-Hulu series "The Lowdown," in which Jones appears.
Jones, 80, attended the premiere more than nine months after the death of his daughter, Victoria Jones, who was 34. The actor was last seen on a red carpet in December 2023 for the premiere of the film "Finestkind." He was photographed at the Wednesday event in a dark blue plaid blazer, a blue button-up shirt, blue jeans, and black sneakers.
At the premiere, Jones was pictured with co-stars Ethan Hawke, 55, and Ryan Kiera Armstrong, 16, as well as the show's creator Sterlin Harjo, 46. Jones is featured in a pair of episodes in the upcoming season, portraying Lee Raybon Sr., the estranged father of Hawke's character.
Victoria Jones was found dead on January 1 in a San Francisco hotel room. The San Francisco Office of the Chief Medical Examiner later ruled her passing an accidental overdose due to the toxic effects of cocaine.
Sources close to Jones indicated earlier this year that the actor was heartbroken and not himself following his daughter's death. A family statement released after the tragedy read, "We appreciate all of the kind words, thoughts, and prayers. Please respect our privacy during this difficult time. Thank you."
Ethan Hawke, who has been a fan of Jones' work, expressed his privilege in working with the Oscar-winning actor on "The Lowdown." Hawke told TV Insider last month that he and Harjo had specifically sought Jones for the role of Lee Raybon Sr., saying, "Tommy Lee popped up in our mind." He cited Jones' extensive filmography, including "Coal Miner's Daughter," "Lonesome Dove," "The Fugitive," and "No Country for Old Men," as evidence of his status as "one of the all-time greats."
The second season of "The Lowdown" is scheduled to begin on October 14. The series also features actors Keith David, Betty Gilpin, Cody Lightning, Killer Mike, Jeanne Tripplehorn, and Kyle MacLachlan.
Jones is also slated to begin filming the movie "Outside Man" opposite Ice Cube next month. In that film, he will play retired Texas Ranger Gus Wanamaker.