Every Actor from ‘Planet of the Apes’ Franchise Who Died
The ‘Planet of the Apes’ franchise has captivated audiences for decades, weaving complex tales of society, humanity, and survival. Its enduring appeal is not just due to its groundbreaking special effects and compelling narratives but also because of the incredible actors who brought its characters, both human and ape, to life. These performers, many of whom donned heavy prosthetics to portray their simian counterparts, delivered performances that were layered with emotion and depth, making us question what it truly means to be human.
Over the years, the worlds of film and television have had to say goodbye to many of these talented individuals. Their contributions are etched into cinematic history, creating a legacy that continues to influence storytellers and actors today. From the original sagas to the modern reboots, each film is a monument to the artists who made us believe in a world ruled by apes. We take a moment to remember the franchise actors who are no longer with us, honoring their work and the iconic roles they played.
William Bassett
William Bassett was an actor known for his diverse roles in film and television, including an appearance in ‘Conquest of the Planet of the Apes’. In the film, he played Mr. Pine, the assistant to the authoritarian Governor Breck. His character was part of the oppressive human leadership that ultimately faced the ape rebellion led by Caesar. Bassett’s career also included roles in films like ‘The Karate Kid’ and ‘House of 1000 Corpses’.
Bassett passed away on February 9, 2025. He was 89 years old.
Kris Kristofferson
Legendary musician and actor Kris Kristofferson had a role in Tim Burton’s ‘Planet of the Apes’. He played Karubi, the father of the human protagonist Daena. Karubi is captured by the apes early in the film, and his defiance against his captors leads to his death, an event that fuels his daughter’s desire for freedom. While a smaller role, Kristofferson brought his characteristic gravitas to the part.
Kristofferson, whose career included acclaimed performances in films like ‘A Star Is Born’ and the ‘Blade’ trilogy, passed away on September 28, 2024.
M. Emmet Walsh
Veteran character actor M. Emmet Walsh had a small but memorable role in ‘Escape from the Planet of the Apes’. He appeared as an aide to the President’s science advisor, Dr. Otto Hasslein. Though his part was minor, Walsh’s presence was part of the film’s depiction of the human world’s reaction to the arrival of intelligent apes from the future. Walsh was celebrated for his work in films like ‘Blade Runner’ and ‘Blood Simple’.
Walsh died of cardiac arrest on March 19, 2024, at the age of 88.
Don Murray
Don Murray delivered a powerful performance as Governor Breck in ‘Conquest of the Planet of the Apes’. Breck was the tyrannical ruler who oversaw a society built on ape slave labor. His cruel and oppressive leadership was the direct catalyst for Caesar’s rebellion. Murray portrayed Breck with a chilling authority, making him one of the most memorable human antagonists of the original series.
An actor known for roles in ‘Bus Stop’, for which he earned an Oscar nomination, Murray passed away on February 2, 2024.
Austin Stoker
Austin Stoker played the character MacDonald in ‘Battle for the Planet of the Apes’. MacDonald was a human ally to Caesar and the brother of the character of the same name from the previous film. He advocated for peaceful coexistence between apes and humans in their new society. Stoker was also known for his leading role in John Carpenter’s action classic ‘Assault on Precinct 13’.
Stoker passed away from renal failure on October 7, 2022, at the age of 92.
David Warner
Distinguished English actor David Warner played Senator Sandar in Tim Burton’s ‘Planet of the Apes’. Senator Sandar was an elder orangutan statesman and the father of the sympathetic ape Ari. He is killed by the tyrannical General Thade. Warner was a prolific actor known for roles in ‘The Omen’, ‘Tron’, and ‘Titanic’.
Warner died from cancer on July 24, 2022, at the age of 80.
Donald Elson
Donald Elson had a part as a museum curator in ‘Escape from the Planet of the Apes’. His character interacts with the time-traveling apes, Zira and Cornelius, during their brief period of celebrity in the 20th century. Elson was a character actor with a long career in film and television.
He passed away on May 7, 2022.
Gregory Sierra
Gregory Sierra appeared as the Verger in ‘Beneath the Planet of the Apes’. The Verger was one of the mutated, telepathic humans who worshiped a doomsday bomb in the ruins of New York City. Sierra was widely recognized for his television roles as Sergeant Chano Amenguale on ‘Barney Miller’ and Julio Fuentes on ‘Sanford and Son’.
Sierra died from cancer on January 4, 2021, at the age of 84.
Carol Sutton
Veteran actress Carol Sutton had a role in ‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’ as an Old Woman. Her career spanned decades with notable roles in films like ‘Steel Magnolias’ and ‘Ray’.
Sutton passed away on December 10, 2020, due to complications from COVID-19.
Natalie Trundy
Natalie Trundy holds a unique place in the franchise, having played four different characters in four of the sequels. She was the telepathic mutant Albina in ‘Beneath the Planet of the Apes’, human scientist Dr. Stephanie Branton in ‘Escape from the Planet of the Apes’, and the chimpanzee Lisa in both ‘Conquest of the Planet of the Apes’ and ‘Battle for the Planet of the Apes’. Her character Lisa would become Caesar’s wife and a key figure in ape society.
Trundy was married to Arthur P. Jacobs, the producer of the original film series. She passed away from natural causes on December 5, 2019, at the age of 79.
Noah Keen
Noah Keen played the Teacher, an orangutan named Abe, in ‘Battle for the Planet of the Apes’. His character attempts to educate young apes and humans together in the new society forged by Caesar, but faces prejudice from the gorillas. Keen had a long career with many guest roles in television.
Keen died on March 24, 2019, at the age of 98.
Wright King
Wright King portrayed the chimpanzee veterinarian Dr. Galen in the original ‘Planet of the Apes’. He was one of the apes who examined the captured astronaut, Taylor. King was a prolific character actor, known for two memorable appearances on ‘The Twilight Zone’.
He passed away on November 25, 2018, at the age of 95.
Bradford Dillman
Bradford Dillman played Dr. Lewis Dixon in ‘Escape from the Planet of the Apes’. Dr. Dixon was a sympathetic scientist who befriended the time-traveling chimpanzees, Cornelius and Zira, and tried to help them navigate the human world. Dillman was an accomplished actor known for his roles in ‘Compulsion’ and ‘The Way We Were’.
Dillman died on January 16, 2018, from complications of pneumonia at age 87.
Don Pedro Colley
Don Pedro Colley appeared in ‘Beneath the Planet of the Apes’ as a member of the subterranean, mutated human society. His character, listed as Negro, was part of the group that worshiped the atomic bomb. Colley was also well-known for playing Sheriff Little in the TV series ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’.
He passed away on October 11, 2017.
William Woodson
William Woodson had a role as a Naval Officer in ‘Escape from the Planet of the Apes’. He was also a prolific voice actor, perhaps best known as the narrator for the opening sequence of the TV series ‘The Invaders’.
Woodson died on February 22, 2017.
Paul Comi
Paul Comi played a policeman in ‘Conquest of the Planet of the Apes’. He was part of the human law enforcement trying to control the ape population before the uprising. Comi had an extensive career as a character actor, appearing in numerous films and television shows, including ‘The Towering Inferno’ and ‘Howard the Duck’.
He passed away on August 26, 2016, due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease.
Buck Kartalian
Buck Kartalian appeared in two films in the series. He was the gruff gorilla guard Julius in the original ‘Planet of the Apes’ and returned as another gorilla named Frank in ‘Conquest of the Planet of the Apes’. His portrayal of Julius, who taunted the captured Taylor, made for some memorable scenes.
Kartalian died of natural causes on May 24, 2016, at the age of 93.
Bill Bonds
Bill Bonds, a well-known Detroit news anchor, made a cameo as a TV newscaster in ‘Escape from the Planet of the Apes’. He reported on the sensational arrival of the talking chimpanzees, Zira and Cornelius.
Bonds died of a heart attack on December 13, 2014.
David Watson
David Watson stepped into the role of Cornelius for ‘Beneath the Planet of the Apes’, taking over for Roddy McDowall who was unavailable. Watson’s performance was crucial in carrying on the story of Zira and Cornelius as they aided the new human protagonist, Brent.
Watson passed away from a heart attack on October 5, 2014.
Michael Clarke Duncan
Michael Clarke Duncan played the powerful gorilla Colonel Attar in Tim Burton’s ‘Planet of the Apes’. Attar was the loyal and formidable second-in-command to the villainous General Thade. Duncan was widely beloved for his Oscar-nominated role as John Coffey in ‘The Green Mile’.
Duncan died on September 3, 2012, from respiratory failure at the age of 54.
William Windom
William Windom portrayed The President of the United States in ‘Escape from the Planet of the Apes’. His character had to decide the fate of the intelligent apes who had arrived from the future. Windom was an Emmy-winning actor, famous for his role in the series ‘My World and Welcome to It’.
He passed away on August 16, 2012, from congestive heart failure at 88.
James Bacon
Journalist and actor James Bacon had appearances in all five original ‘Planet of the Apes’ films, often playing uncredited apes or gorilla soldiers. His consistent presence made him a unique part of the franchise’s history.
Bacon died of congestive heart failure on September 18, 2010.
Glenn Shadix
Glenn Shadix appeared in Tim Burton’s ‘Planet of the Apes’ as the orangutan Senator Nado. Shadix was a frequent collaborator with Burton, most famously playing Otho in ‘Beetlejuice’.
Shadix died on September 7, 2010, after a fall resulted in a head injury.
Army Archerd
Famed columnist Army Archerd made cameo appearances as a gorilla referee in ‘Planet of the Apes’ and continued with uncredited roles in ‘Beneath the Planet of the Apes’ and ‘Escape from the Planet of the Apes’.
Archerd passed away on September 8, 2009, from mesothelioma.
James Whitmore
James Whitmore had a significant role in ‘Planet of the Apes’ as the President of the Assembly. This orangutan leader presided over the trial of the astronaut Taylor. Whitmore was a celebrated, Oscar-nominated actor known for films like ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ and his one-man shows about historical figures.
He died of lung cancer on February 6, 2009.
Ricardo Montalban
Ricardo Montalbán played the compassionate circus owner Armando in both ‘Escape from the Planet of the Apes’ and ‘Conquest of the Planet of the Apes’. Armando sheltered and protected the infant Caesar after his parents were killed. Montalbán is iconic for his roles as Khan in ‘Star Trek’ and Mr. Roarke in ‘Fantasy Island’.
He passed away on January 14, 2009, from congestive heart failure.
Charlton Heston
Charlton Heston starred as astronaut George Taylor in the original ‘Planet of the Apes’ and its sequel, ‘Beneath the Planet of the Apes’. His iconic portrayal of the cynical, stranded human who discovers the shocking truth of the planet is central to the entire franchise. Heston also made a cameo in the 2001 remake as an ape.
A legendary actor known for epic roles in ‘Ben-Hur’ and ‘The Ten Commandments’, Heston died on April 5, 2008, from pneumonia and complications of Alzheimer’s disease.
Michael Stearns
Michael Stearns appeared in ‘Battle for the Planet of the Apes’ as Jake, a human living in the new society established by Caesar. His character had a friend played by future director John Landis.
Stearns died in a car crash on October 3, 2007.
David Chow
David Chow played the first version of the gorilla Aldo in ‘Conquest of the Planet of the Apes’. This Aldo was the first ape to speak the word ‘No!’ to a human, igniting the revolution.
Chow, a judo champion and photographer, passed away on July 10, 2007.
Richard Eastham
Richard Eastham played the Mutant Captain in ‘Battle for the Planet of the Apes’. He was one of the radiation-scarred humans who launched an attack on Ape City. Eastham was also known for his role as General Blankenship on the ‘Wonder Woman’ TV series.
He died on July 10, 2005, from Alzheimer’s disease.
Jason Evers
Jason Evers had the role of E-2, an aide to Dr. Otto Hasslein, in ‘Escape from the Planet of the Apes’. Evers was known for his work in the cult sci-fi film ‘The Brain That Wouldn’t Die’.
He passed away from heart failure on March 13, 2005.
John Dennis
John Dennis had a role as a policeman in ‘Conquest of the Planet of the Apes’. He appeared in many films, including ‘Soylent Green’ and ‘Young Frankenstein’.
Dennis died of cardiac arrest on March 20, 2004.
John Randolph
John Randolph played the Commission Chairman in ‘Escape from the Planet of the Apes’ and returned for ‘Conquest of the Planet of the Apes’. His character oversaw the government’s investigation of the talking apes. A Tony Award-winning actor, Randolph was also known for playing Roseanne’s father on her sitcom.
He passed away of natural causes on February 24, 2004, at age 88.
Norman Burton
Norman Burton appeared in two of the films. He was the gorilla Hunt Leader in ‘Planet of the Apes’ and returned in ‘Escape from the Planet of Apes’ as an Army Officer. He was also known for his role as Felix Leiter in the James Bond film ‘Diamonds Are Forever’.
Burton died in an auto accident on November 29, 2003.
Gordon Jump
Gordon Jump played the Auctioneer in ‘Conquest of the Planet of the Apes’, a memorable scene where apes are sold as slaves. He is best known for his role as Arthur Carlson, the station manager in the sitcom ‘WKRP in Cincinnati’, and as the lonely Maytag repairman in commercials.
Jump passed away on September 22, 2003, from pulmonary fibrosis.
James Gregory
James Gregory delivered a commanding performance as the warmongering General Ursus in ‘Beneath the Planet of the Apes’. His character was a brutish gorilla who advocated for the extermination of all humans and an invasion of the Forbidden Zone. Gregory was also well-known for playing Inspector Luger on the sitcom ‘Barney Miller’.
He died of natural causes on September 16, 2002, at the age of 90.
Kim Hunter
Kim Hunter gave an iconic performance as the compassionate chimpanzee scientist Dr. Zira in ‘Planet of the Apes’, ‘Beneath the Planet of the Apes’, and ‘Escape from the Planet of the Apes’. Her portrayal of Zira, who was intelligent, empathetic, and defiant, earned her widespread acclaim and became central to the heart of the original trilogy. Hunter won an Academy Award for her role in ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’.
Hunter died of a heart attack on September 11, 2002, at the age of 79.
Jeff Corey
Jeff Corey, a respected actor and renowned acting coach, played Caspay in ‘Beneath the Planet of the Apes’. Caspay was one of the telepathic, mutated humans living in the underground ruins. Corey’s career was interrupted by the Hollywood blacklist, after which he became one of the most sought-after acting teachers in the industry.
He passed away on August 16, 2002, from complications from a fall.
Robert Gunner
Robert Gunner played Lieutenant John Landon in the original ‘Planet of the Apes’. Landon was one of the three surviving astronauts, alongside Taylor and Dodge, who crashed on the strange planet. His character is captured and ultimately lobotomized by the apes, serving as a grim warning to Taylor.
Gunner, who was also a model and the ‘Marlboro Man’ in commercials, died on December 18, 2001.
Stephen Roberts
Stephen Roberts portrayed General Brody in ‘Escape from the Planet of the Apes’. He was a military figure involved in the decision-making regarding the intelligent ape visitors.
Roberts passed away from cancer on October 26, 1999.
Roddy McDowall
Roddy McDowall is arguably the most essential actor in the entire franchise. He brilliantly portrayed the chimpanzee Cornelius in ‘Planet of the Apes’ and ‘Escape from the Planet of the Apes’. He then took on the role of Cornelius’s son, Caesar, the revolutionary leader, in ‘Conquest of the Planet of the Apes’ and ‘Battle for the Planet of the Apes’. He also played the ape Galen in the 1974 television series.
A beloved actor whose career began in childhood, McDowall died of lung cancer on October 3, 1998, at the age of 70.
Paul Lambert
Paul Lambert played a Minister in the opening scenes of ‘Planet of the Apes’. His character was one of the three “See No Evil” orangutan judges presiding over Taylor’s hearing. Lambert was a veteran character actor who appeared in numerous films and television shows.
He died on April 27, 1997.
Lew Ayres
Lew Ayres played the wise orangutan Mandemus in ‘Battle for the Planet of the Apes’. Mandemus was the keeper of the armory and the conscience of the ape council. Ayres was a major star in his youth, known for his leading role in the classic anti-war film ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’.
Ayres passed away on December 30, 1996, after falling into a coma.
Severn Darden
Severn Darden portrayed the human antagonist Kolp in both ‘Conquest of the Planet of the Apes’ and ‘Battle for the Planet of the Apes’. Kolp rises from chief of security in ‘Conquest’ to the leader of the surviving mutated humans in ‘Battle’, launching an attack on Ape City. Darden was a founding member of The Second City comedy troupe.
Darden died of a heart attack on May 27, 1995.
Claude Akins
Claude Akins gave a memorable performance as the aggressive gorilla General Aldo in ‘Battle for the Planet of the Apes’. His character challenged Caesar’s peaceful leadership and was the first ape to kill another ape, breaking their most sacred law. Akins was a prolific character actor known for playing sheriffs and tough guys, including the lead in ‘The Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo’.
He died of stomach cancer on January 27, 1994.
Joyce Haber
Gossip columnist Joyce Haber made an appearance as the bespectacled chimpanzee Zelda in ‘Conquest of the Planet of the Apes’.
She passed away on July 29, 1993.
Hari Rhodes
Hari Rhodes played the human character MacDonald in ‘Conquest of the Planet of the Apes’. MacDonald was Governor Breck’s sympathetic African-American aide who helps Caesar escape and ultimately supports his cause. Rhodes was a notable actor in film and television, with roles in ‘Shock Corridor’ and the series ‘Daktari’.
He died of a heart attack on January 15, 1992.
James Franciscus
James Franciscus starred as Brent, the main protagonist of ‘Beneath the Planet of the Apes’. Brent is an astronaut sent on a mission to rescue Taylor, only to find himself embroiled in the conflict between the apes and the mutated humans.
Franciscus, also known for the TV series ‘Longstreet’ and ‘Mr. Novak’, died of emphysema on July 8, 1991.
Harry Lauter
Harry Lauter appeared as General Winthrop in ‘Escape from the Planet of the Apes’. A veteran character actor, he was a familiar face in Westerns and serials from the 1950s.
Lauter passed away from heart failure on October 30, 1990.
Albert Salmi
Albert Salmi played E-1, an aide who worked alongside Jason Evers’ character for Dr. Hasslein in ‘Escape from the Planet of the Apes’. Salmi was a respected stage and screen actor, known for his work in ‘The Brothers Karamazov’ and numerous television westerns.
Salmi died on April 22, 1990, in a murder-suicide.
Maurice Evans
Maurice Evans gave an iconic performance as the wise but dogmatic orangutan leader, Dr. Zaius, in both ‘Planet of the Apes’ and ‘Beneath the Planet of the Apes’. As the Minister of Science and Chief Defender of the Faith, Dr. Zaius held the secrets of their world’s past and served as the primary ape antagonist to Taylor. Evans was a renowned classical actor, also known to audiences as Samantha’s father on ‘Bewitched’.
He passed away on March 12, 1989, from heart failure.
Jeff Burton
Jeff Burton played Lieutenant Dodge in the original ‘Planet of the Apes’. Dodge was the science officer and one of the three original astronauts to survive the crash landing. He is killed by gorillas during the film’s memorable hunt sequence.
Burton died on January 18, 1988.
John Huston
Legendary director and actor John Huston played the role of The Lawgiver in ‘Battle for the Planet of the Apes’. Appearing in the film’s framing sequences, his character narrates the story of Caesar to a mixed group of young apes and humans, representing the hope for a peaceful future.
Huston, an Oscar-winning director of classics like ‘The Treasure of the Sierra Madre’ and ‘The African Queen’, died of emphysema on August 28, 1987.
Paul Stevens
Paul Stevens played Mendez, the leader of the radiation-scarred human mutants, in ‘Battle for the Planet of the Apes’. He was a different character than the Mendez who appeared in the prior film. Stevens was also known for his role in the film ‘Patton’.
He passed away on June 4, 1986, from pneumonia.
Woodrow Parfrey
Woodrow Parfrey portrayed Maximus, one of the orangutan leaders, in ‘Planet of the Apes’. He was one of the three judges at Taylor’s trial who famously struck the ‘hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil’ pose.
Parfrey, a prolific character actor, died of a heart attack on July 29, 1984.
Peter Forster
Peter Forster appeared as the Cardinal, an orangutan official, in ‘Escape from the Planet of the Apes’.
The British actor died on November 16, 1982.
Victor Buono
Victor Buono had a brief role as the “Fat Man” in ‘Beneath the Planet of the Apes’. He was one of the mutated humans in the Forbidden Zone. Buono was a celebrated character actor, earning an Oscar nomination for ‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’ and famously playing King Tut on the ‘Batman’ TV series.
Buono died of a heart attack on January 1, 1982.
James Daly
James Daly played Honorious, an orangutan prosecutor, in ‘Planet of the Apes’. He argued for the gelding of the astronaut Taylor during the trial scene. Daly was a distinguished actor, perhaps best known to sci-fi fans for his roles in ‘Star Trek’ and ‘The Twilight Zone’, and as Dr. Paul Lochner on ‘Medical Center’.
He died of a heart attack on July 3, 1978.
Sal Mineo
Sal Mineo portrayed the chimpanzee Dr. Milo in ‘Escape from the Planet of the Apes’. It was Dr. Milo who salvaged and repaired Taylor’s ship, allowing him, Zira, and Cornelius to travel back in time. Tragically, his character is killed by a primitive gorilla shortly after their arrival. Mineo was a two-time Oscar-nominated actor, famous for his role as Plato in ‘Rebel Without a Cause’.
Mineo’s life was cut short when he was murdered on February 12, 1976.
Paul Richards
Paul Richards played the mutant leader Mendez in ‘Beneath the Planet of the Apes’. His character led the telepathic underground society that worshiped the “divine bomb.”
Richards passed away from cancer on December 10, 1974.
Tod Andrews
Tod Andrews played Skipper, the commander of the rescue mission spacecraft, in ‘Beneath the Planet of the Apes’. His character dies in the crash at the beginning of the film, leaving Brent as the sole survivor.
Andrews died of a heart attack on November 7, 1972.
Thomas Gomez
Thomas Gomez appeared as the Minister in ‘Beneath the Planet of the Apes’. He was an orangutan official on the council led by Dr. Zaius. Gomez was a veteran character actor with a career spanning decades.
He died on June 18, 1971, from injuries sustained in a car accident.
Roy Glenn
Roy Glenn played the Lawyer on the presidential commission in ‘Escape from the Planet of the Apes’. He was part of the group questioning the newly arrived talking apes. Glenn was a respected character actor known for roles in ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’ and ‘A Raisin in the Sun’.
He passed away from a heart attack on March 12, 1971.
Which of these actors’ performances in the franchise stands out the most to you? Share your memories in the comments below.