To Live and Die in L.A.
“A federal agent is dead. A killer is loose. And the City of Angels is about to explode.”
Synopsis
When his longtime partner on the force is killed, reckless U.S. Secret Service agent Richard Chance vows revenge, setting out to nab dangerous counterfeit artist Eric Masters.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Original TrailersOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2026-04-28
Top Cast
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William L. Petersen
Richard Chance
Willem Dafoe
Rick Masters
John Pankow
John Vukovich
Debra Feuer
Bianca Torres
John Turturro
Carl Cody
Dean Stockwell
Bob Grimes
Darlanne Fluegel
Ruth Lanier
Michael Greene
Jim Hart
Steve James
Jeff Rice
Robert Downey Sr.
Thomas Bateman
Christopher Allport
Max Waxman
Valentin de Vargas
Judge Filo Cedillo
Jack Hoar
Jack
Dwier Brown
Doctor
Michael Chong
Thomas Ling
Jacqueline Giroux
Claudia Leith
Michael Zand
Terrorist
Bobby Bass
FBI Agent
Release History & Theatrical Window
November 1, 1985
Wide Cinema Exhibition
November 21, 2016
Physical Home Media
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$6M
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$17.3M
Total global ticket sales
Box Office Return
2.88x
+$11.3M net gain
Theatrical Status
Profitable
Box office tier
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- William Friedkin
- Screenplay & Story
- Gerald Petievich, William Friedkin
- Original Score
- Nick Feldman, Jack Hues
- Original Title
- To Live and Die in L.A.
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- Arabic, English, Spanish
- Runtime
- 1h 56m
- Production Budget
- $6M
- Worldwide Gross
- $17.3M
- Production Studios
- SLM Production Group, New Century Productions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
William Friedkin
Gerald Petievich, William Friedkin
Nick Feldman, Jack Hues
Robby Müller, Robert D. Yeoman
M. Scott Smith
Irving H. Levin, Samuel Schulman
Department Leadership Roster
William Friedkin
Director
Gerald Petievich
Screenplay
William Friedkin
Screenplay
Irving H. Levin
Producer
Robby Müller
Director of Photography
M. Scott Smith
Editor
Pat E. Johnson
Stunt Coordinator
Buddy Joe Hooker
Stunt Coordinator
Lilly Kilvert
Production Design
Linda M. Bass
Costume Design
Nick Feldman
Original Music Composer
Jack Hues
Original Music Composer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Suitable only for adults 18 years and over.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for To Live and Die in L.A..
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Frequently Asked Questions About To Live and Die in L.A.
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is To Live and Die in L.A. about?
When his longtime partner on the force is killed, reckless U.S. Secret Service agent Richard Chance vows revenge, setting out to nab dangerous counterfeit artist Eric Masters.
Who directed To Live and Die in L.A.?
To Live and Die in L.A. was directed by William Friedkin.
Who stars in To Live and Die in L.A.?
The principal cast of To Live and Die in L.A. includes William L. Petersen, Willem Dafoe, John Pankow, Debra Feuer, John Turturro.
When was To Live and Die in L.A. released and how long is it?
To Live and Die in L.A. was released in 1985 with a total runtime of 1h 56m.
What was the box office and production budget of To Live and Die in L.A.?
To Live and Die in L.A. had a reported production budget of $6M and grossed $17.3M at the worldwide box office (2.88 return on budget, classified as a commercial hit).
Who composed the musical score for To Live and Die in L.A.?
The original motion picture soundtrack for To Live and Die in L.A. was composed by Nick Feldman, Jack Hues.
Is To Live and Die in L.A. based on a book or true story?
To Live and Die in L.A. is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Gerald Petievich".
What is the age rating and content advisory for To Live and Die in L.A.?
To Live and Die in L.A. holds official age classifications: AU: R 18+; DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.); GB: 18 (Suitable only for adults 18 years and over.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).