Actor Michael Rooker recently accepted a position on the Lindsey Film Festival Advisory Board.

Rooker’s appearance as a guest at the festival in 2012 led to joining the board. Festival co-director Cynthia Burkhead said he kept in contact since last year.

“He was one of the first choices because he was so open and supportive of what we were doing last year,” she said.

Rooker is a native of Jasper and lived there until he was 13. This allowed the board to continue honoring George Lindsey’s roots in Jasper.

Rooker is known for his roles in “Cliffhanger,” “Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer” and “The Walking Dead.”  He has won the International Fantasy Film Award and the Golden Space Needle Award along with other nominations.

Rooker voiced himself in the video game “Call of Duty: Black Ops.”

As a well-known actor, Rooker has a good sense of what audiences might want from a film festival, Burkhead said.

Rooker will be replacing the late Ernest Borgnine on the board. Burkhead said this will help maintain a contact in Hollywood.

“We’ll be able to ask him for recommendations for guests of the festival,” she said.  

There is excitement about Rooker joining the board from many involved. Jason Flynn, assistant professor of film and digital media production, had a positive view towards Rooker’s addition to the board.

“I’m pleased to have an Alabamian on the board, and until he escapes his Advisory Board duties by hacksawing his hand off, we look forward to all of the input, connections and enthusiasm he provides,” Flynn said.

The “Walking Dead” star does not have plans to return to UNA at this point, but Burkhead said she hopes for his return.