Stephen Hibbert, a television comedy writer and actor best known for his role as the Gimp in Quentin Tarantino's 'Pulp Fiction,' has died at age 68. He passed away on March 2 in Denver, Colorado, following a heart attack, according to family members. Hibbert enjoyed a multifaceted career in writing and acting, spanning shows like 'Mad TV' and 'Boy Meets World.'
Stephen Hibbert, born in Fleetwood, England, and raised in Tustin, California after his family emigrated when he was 6, built a career in comedy writing and acting over three decades. His breakthrough came with writing for 'Late Night With David Letterman' from 1984 to 1986, followed by contributions to animated series such as 'Tiny Toons Adventures' and 'Animaniacs,' as well as live-action shows including 'Mad TV' and 'Boy Meets World.' He also provided uncredited punch-ups for feature films and reportedly contributed to 'Saturday Night Live.'
Hibbert's most iconic role was as the Gimp in 'Pulp Fiction' (1994), a part originally intended for co-writer Roger Avary but taken by Hibbert after Tarantino improvised the scene during lunch. The non-speaking role, which kept Hibbert in a full-body leather suit for a three-day shoot, required endurance under hot lights; he wore a mini-fat suit underneath and lost 10 to 15 pounds. Reflecting on the experience, Hibbert told AARP in 2024, “I think it’s one of the greatest films of all time... I had forgotten how funny it was, and what a great time capsule it is of Los Angeles in the early ’90s.”
His friendship with Tarantino stemmed from their time at the Groundlings improv troupe, where they bonded over films. At the time, Hibbert was married to fellow Groundling Julia Sweeney, with whom he co-wrote the 1994 film 'It’s Pat!,' adapting her 'Saturday Night Live' sketch; Tarantino contributed an uncredited rewrite. Hibbert's acting credits included small parts in 'Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me' (1999), 'National Treasure: Book of Secrets' (2007), 'Rush Hour' (1998), and TV series like 'Dr. Ken' and 'True Jackson, VP.'
In later years, Hibbert moved to Denver in the late 2010s, where he taught improv at the Bovine Metropolis Theater and the Denver School of the Arts. He volunteered as a tutor with School on Wheels, aiding homeless children, which he called his proudest achievement besides his family. “It was fun hanging out with Mike Myers working on ‘Austin Powers’ or something, but the stuff that is really remarkable... is working with School on Wheels,” he said in a podcast.
Family members confirmed his death to outlets including Rolling Stone and TMZ. In a statement, his children Ronnie, Rosalind, and Greg said, “Our father, Stephen Hibbert, passed away unexpectedly this week. His life was full of love and dedication to the arts and his family. He will be dearly missed by many.” Roger Avary mourned on X, “I’m absolutely stunned to hear that Stephen Hibbert... has passed away... glad to have gotten to know him, and to call him a friend.” Hibbert is survived by former wives Sweeney and Alicia Agos, and his three children.
