In a sad, ironic bit of timing on the final day of the Flashback Weekend Horror Convention last Sunday, news spread among convention goers that the terrific character actor Charles Cyphers had passed away at the age of 85.
Charles was beloved by horror fans for his great work with director John Carpenter. In addition, Flashback Weekend fans fondly remembered his two memorable visits to the convention, first in 2005 and then ten years later in 2015.
Charles Cyphers was born in Niagara Falls, New York on July 28, 1939. He moved to California where he studied acting at Los Angeles City College, Cal State, and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
Soon, he was getting many acting jobs on stage, in television and in movies. In the 1970s, he appeared on such TV shows as "The F.B.I.," "Cannon," "Charlie's Angels," "Wonder Woman," "The Six Million Dollar Man," and many more.
His many collaborations with Carpenter began with "Assault on Precinct 13" (1976).
In that film, he played Starker, a prison official transporting a group of prisoners who get sidetracked at an abandoned police station under siege by a group of street gangs.
It was a great role in a great movie, and it would kickoff a partnership with Carpenter that would continue for years.
In addition to Carpenter's "Assault on Precinct 13" he appeared in "Someone's Watching Me," "Elvis" (as Sam Phillips!!), "Halloween," "The Fog," "Escape From New York" and "Halloween II" (which Carpenter co-wrote, but did not direct), reprising his classic role as Sheriff Brackett (which he would also play many years later in "Halloween Kills").
He had other memorable roles in movies such as "The Onion Field," "A Force of One," "Coming Home," "MacArthur," "Honkytonk Man," "Death Wish II," and he was hilarious as the G.M. of the team in the baseball movie "Major League."
He also appeared in a classic episode of "Seinfeld" ("The Hot Tub" from Season 7), in which he played an executive with the Houston Astros whose casual use of the terms "bastard" and "son-of-a-bitch" gets George Costanza in trouble. Hilarious.
We were lucky to have him appear at Flashback on two occasions, and he was an absolute delight. He was kind, funny, and incredibly generous with fans and the staff as well.
I was honored to moderate the two Q&A panels he participated in, and got to introduce him twice before outdoor screenings of movies he appeared in along with other terrific actors.
He was authentic, humorous, and very approachable. His stories and contributions to panel discussions and film introductions were stellar.
I got to talk to him pretty extensively, and I treasure those conversations in which he shared fun behind-the-scenes tidbits about the movies, working with Carpenter, life, and more.
At the 2005 convention, Flashback celebrated his birthday in front of the drive-in before an outdoor showing of "The Fog."
I introduced Charles, along with his co-stars Adrienne Barbeau, Tom Atkins, and Nancy Loomis.
After some opening comments, we brought out a big cake with candles and I led the crowd in the singing of "Happy Birthday." Charles blew out the candles and then we introduced the movie. He was humbled and surprised by the celebration and said he would never forget it.
Charles Cyphers was a sweet, extremely talented man who was a true joy at the conventions. Fans loved him and he loved them back, and he provided countless memories for everyone who crossed his path....including me.
An exceptional talent and a great guy. Rest In Peace, Charles Cyphers.
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