Charles Cyphers, actor best known for his roles in the “Halloween” movies, has passed away. The actor suffered a brief illness in Tucson, Arizona. He was 85.
His manager Chris Roe confirmed the sad news to Variety “Charles was a lovable and sensitive man,” Roe told Variety. “He always had the best stories, and you got a full performance while he told you. He was a close friend and client of many years who will be dearly missed.”
Charles Cyphers, born on July 28, 1939, in Niagara Falls, New York, was an actor renowned for his extensive career in film and television, particularly in the horror category.
He grew up in Niagara Falls, where he developed an interest in acting at a young age. His passion for drama led him to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in theater from the University of Southern California.
Cyphers began his career in the late 1960s, making appearances in various television series and movies. His early work included guest roles on popular TV shows such as “Barnaby Jones” and “Cannon”.
The actor is perhaps best known for his work with director John Carpenter. Their professional relationship began with the 1976 film “Assault on Precinct 13,” where Cyphers played the role of Starker, a memorable character that set the tone for his future work with Carpenter.
In 1978, Cyphers played Sheriff Leigh Brackett in Carpenter’s groundbreaking horror film “Halloween.” His portrayal of the small-town sheriff who deals with the terror unleashed by Michael Myers became one of his most recognized performances. He appeared in this role in “Halloween II” (1981) and later in “Halloween Kills” (2021).
The actor continued to work with Carpenter on several other projects, including “The Fog” (1980), where he played Dan O’Bannon, a radio DJ who becomes part of the scary events occurring in a coastal town. Another notable performance was his role in “Escape from New York” (1981) as Secretary of State.
Outside his work with Carpenter, Cyphers has appeared in numerous other films and television series. His movie work includes roles in “Death Wish II” (1982), “Major League” (1989), and “Graveyard Shift” (1990). On television, he made guest appearances on shows like “Murder, She Wrote,” “Dynasty,” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”
Rest In Peace
