Every Major Actor from ‘Halloween’ Franchise Who Died

The ‘Halloween’ franchise is a horror legend, chilling audiences since 1978 with its tale of Michael Myers and his relentless terror. Over the years, many talented actors brought this eerie world to life, but sadly, some are no longer with us. Their performances, from creepy villains to brave heroes, left a lasting mark on the series and its fans.

This list honors these actors, sharing their roles in the ‘Halloween’ films and a glimpse into their lives and careers. Each one added something special to the franchise, and their work continues to haunt and inspire. Let’s remember their contributions and celebrate their legacies.

Charles Cyphers

Charles Cyphers played Sheriff Leigh Brackett in ‘Halloween’ (1978), ‘Halloween II’ (1981), and ‘Halloween Kills’ (2021), delivering a tough yet caring lawman. His steady presence grounded the horror, making Brackett a fan favorite across decades. Cyphers’ work in the franchise showed his knack for bringing depth to supporting roles.

A graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Cyphers had a rich career in Los Angeles theater, earning awards like the Los Angeles Drama Critics Award for ‘The Caretaker.’ He appeared in TV shows like ‘Starsky and Hutch’ and ‘ER,’ but his role as Brackett remains iconic. He passed away on August 4, 2024, after a brief illness.

Donald Pleasence

Donald Pleasence was the unforgettable Dr. Sam Loomis in ‘Halloween’ (1978), ‘Halloween II’ (1981), ‘Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers’ (1988), ‘Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers’ (1989), and ‘Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers’ (1995). His intense portrayal of Michael Myers’ obsessed psychiatrist became a cornerstone of the series.

Pleasence’s career spanned stage and screen, with chilling roles like Heinrich Himmler in ‘The Eagle Has Landed’ and Blofeld in ‘You Only Live Twice.’ A WWII veteran and prisoner of war, he brought real grit to his performances. He died on February 2, 1995, from complications after heart valve surgery.

Janet Leigh

Janet Leigh played Norma in ‘Halloween H20: 20 Years Later’ (1998), a nod to her iconic role in ‘Psycho.’ Her brief but memorable appearance alongside daughter Jamie Lee Curtis added emotional weight to the film’s legacy.

Leigh was a Hollywood star, known for films like ‘The Manchurian Candidate’ and ‘Touch of Fear.’ Discovered at a ski resort, she became a leading lady in the 1940s and 1950s, earning an Oscar nomination for ‘Psycho.’ She passed away on October 3, 2004, from vasculitis.

Sid Haig

Sid Haig brought creepy charm to ‘Halloween’ (2007) as Chester Chesterfield, a cemetery worker. His brief role added to the film’s gritty reboot vibe, showcasing his knack for quirky, menacing characters.

Known for ‘House of 1000 Corpses’ and ‘The Devil’s Rejects,’ Haig was a horror icon who started as a drummer and dancer before acting. His career spanned over 50 films and 350 TV episodes, including ‘Star Trek’ and ‘Gunsmoke.’ He died on September 21, 2019, from respiratory complications.

Margot Kidder

Margot Kidder played Barbara Collier in ‘Halloween II’ (2009), bringing intensity to the sequel. Her role as a therapist added depth to the film’s psychological horror.

Best known as Lois Lane in ‘Superman,’ Kidder starred in films like ‘Black Christmas’ and ‘The Amityville Horror.’ A vocal activist, she faced mental health struggles but continued acting in theater and film. She died on May 13, 2018, from a self-inflicted drug and alcohol overdose.

Dan O’Herlihy

Dan O’Herlihy played the sinister Conal Cochran in ‘Halloween III: Season of the Witch’ (1982), a villain behind a deadly mask scheme. His chilling performance stood out in the franchise’s standalone entry.

An Oscar-nominated actor for ‘Robinson Crusoe,’ O’Herlihy starred in ‘RoboCop’ and ‘Fail Safe.’ Trained as an architect, he switched to acting, shining on stage and screen. He died on February 17, 2005, from natural causes.

Lucille Benson

Lucille Benson played Mrs. Elrod in ‘Halloween II’ (1981), a quirky neighbor adding small-town charm. Her brief role brought warmth to the tense horror setting.

A character actress with a Southern accent, Benson shone in ‘Duel’ and ‘Private Parts.’ She appeared in TV shows like ‘The Waltons’ and ‘Bosom Buddies,’ often as eccentric older women. She passed away on February 17, 1984, from liver cancer.

Adam Hollander

Adam Hollander played Keith in ‘Halloween’ (1978), one of the kids Laurie Strode babysits. His role added innocence to the film’s early scenes, contrasting Michael Myers’ evil.

Hollander appeared in ‘Welcome Back, Kotter’ and ‘Hotel.’ His short career showed promise, but tragedy struck early. He died on September 24, 1984, after being hit by a car while cycling.

Ralph Strait

Ralph Strait portrayed Buddy Kupfer in ‘Halloween III: Season of the Witch’ (1982), a family man caught in a deadly plot. His performance grounded the film’s bizarre horror.

Strait acted in ‘The Beastmaster’ and ‘Search for Tomorrow,’ often playing relatable characters. His stage work included New York theater productions. He died on July 31, 1992, from a heart attack.

John Zenda

John Zenda played the Marshall in ‘Halloween II’ (1981), a tough law enforcement figure in the hunt for Michael Myers. His brief role added tension to the hospital siege.

A former wrestler, race car driver, and police officer, Zenda appeared in ‘Bad Boys’ and ‘Hawaii Five-O.’ He later curated the NHRA Hot Rod Museum. He died on August 3, 1994, from pancreatic cancer.

Robert Phalen

Robert Phalen played Dr. Wynn in ‘Halloween’ (1978), a mysterious figure tied to Michael Myers’ origins. His subtle menace added intrigue to the classic film.

Phalen’s career included Broadway roles in ‘Twelfth Night’ and TV appearances in ‘MAS*H’ and ‘Babylon 5.’ He often played stern authority figures. He died on December 6, 1995, from AIDS complications.

Logan Field

Logan Field was Unger in ‘Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers’ (1988), a small role in the franchise’s return to Michael Myers. His presence added to the film’s tense atmosphere.

Field appeared in ‘Pier 5, Havana’ and ‘S.W.A.T.,’ with a career focused on supporting roles. He was a steady TV actor in the 1970s and 1980s. He died on August 28, 1997, from undisclosed causes.

Maidie Norman

Maidie Norman played Nurse Agnes in ‘Halloween III: Season of the Witch’ (1982), bringing warmth to a chilling story. Her brief role added humanity to the film’s eerie setting.

Known for ‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?,’ Norman was a founding member of the American Negro Theater West. She taught at UCLA and was inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame. She died on May 2, 1998, from lung cancer.

David Jensen

David Jensen played the Man Attendant in ‘Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers’ (1988), a small but creepy role. His performance fit the film’s dark tone.

Jensen appeared in ‘Species’ and ‘Tripwire,’ often in supporting roles. His work spanned film and TV, with a focus on character parts. He died on November 29, 1998, from apparent suicide.

Paddi Edwards

Paddi Edwards was the Secretary in ‘Halloween III: Season of the Witch’ (1982), adding a professional edge to the film’s corporate horror. Her brief role was memorable.

A voice actress for ‘The Little Mermaid’ and ‘Hercules,’ Edwards had a distinctive presence in film and animation. Her stage and TV work was extensive. She died on October 18, 1999, from respiratory failure.

Peter Griffith

Peter Griffith played Laurie’s Father in ‘Halloween’ (1978), a small role that set up the family dynamic. His brief appearance added normalcy before the horror.

Griffith appeared in ‘Suspense’ and ‘Roads to Romance,’ with a career focused on smaller parts. He was married to actress Tippi Hedren. He died on May 14, 2001, from emphysema complications.

Carmen Filpi

Carmen Filpi played Rev. Jackson P. Sayer in ‘Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers’ (1988), a quirky preacher. His role brought oddball charm to the film.

A WWII veteran, Filpi was known for ‘Runaway Train’ and TV shows like ‘Happy Days.’ He often played drifters or comedic characters. He died on May 9, 2003, from undisclosed causes.

Harper Roisman

Harper Roisman played the Mountain Man in ‘Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers’ (1989), a strange hermit figure. His role added mystery to the sequel.

Roisman appeared in ‘Mousehunt’ and ‘The Cable Guy,’ often in eccentric roles. His character work was memorable despite limited screen time. He died on May 25, 2005, from undisclosed causes.

Ford Rainey

Ford Rainey played Dr. Mixter in ‘Halloween II’ (1981), a doomed doctor in the hospital setting. His brief role heightened the film’s body count.

A WWII Coast Guard veteran, Rainey starred in ‘The Sand Pebbles’ and TV shows like ‘MAS*H.’ He was a theater enthusiast, performing into his 90s. He died on July 25, 2005, from stroke complications.

Harlow Marks

Harlow Marks played the Power Worker in ‘Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers’ (1988), a brief but intense role. His performance fit the film’s escalating danger.

Marks appeared in ‘A More Perfect Union’ and ‘China O’Brien II,’ often in action-oriented parts. His career was modest but impactful. He died on January 11, 2008, from undisclosed causes.

Beverly Rowland

Beverly Rowland played the Elderly Woman in ‘Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers’ (1988), adding a vulnerable touch to the story. Her role heightened the community’s fear.

Rowland starred in ‘Never a Bride’ and ‘Beyond and Back,’ with a focus on Utah productions. She was married to actor Oscar Rowland. She died on May 7, 2008, from natural causes.

Lorena Gale

Lorena Gale played Nurse Wells in ‘Halloween: Resurrection’ (2002), a caring but doomed character. Her performance added heart to the chaotic film.

Known for ‘Freddy Got Fingered’ and ‘The Butterfly Effect,’ Gale was a versatile actress in TV and film. She was active in Canadian theater. She died on June 21, 2009, from throat cancer.

Fred Lerner

Fred Lerner was the Smith’s Grove Doctor in ‘Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers’ (1995), a small role in the cult-driven story. His presence added to the film’s dark tone.

A stuntman and actor, Lerner worked on ‘Die Hard’ and ‘Escape from New York.’ His career spanned action films and TV. He died on July 15, 2009, from undisclosed causes.

Michael Currie

Michael Currie played Rafferty in ‘Halloween III: Season of the Witch’ (1982), a jolly hotel owner caught in a sinister plot. His warmth contrasted the film’s horror.

Currie starred in Clint Eastwood films like ‘Sudden Impact’ and had a recurring role in ‘Dark Shadows.’ His stage work included Broadway. He died on December 22, 2009, from undisclosed causes.

Brad Sihvon

Brad Sihvon played Charley in ‘Halloween: Resurrection’ (2002), a technician in the reality-show setup. His role added to the film’s modern twist.

Sihvon appeared in ‘White Noise’ and ‘The Snow Walker,’ with a focus on Canadian productions. His career was brief but varied. He died on April 7, 2010, from undisclosed causes.

Michael Pataki

Michael Pataki played Dr. Hoffman in ‘Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers’ (1988), a stern authority figure. His performance added tension to the medical scenes.

A versatile actor, Pataki starred in ‘Rocky IV’ and ‘Grave of the Vampire.’ He directed films and voiced cartoons like ‘The Ren & Stimpy Show.’ He died on April 15, 2010, from cancer.

Richard Lynch

Richard Lynch was Principal Chambers in ‘Halloween’ (2007), a school official in Rob Zombie’s reboot. His intense presence fit the gritty tone.

Known for ‘The Sword and the Sorcerer,’ Lynch played villains in films like ‘Invasion U.S.A.’ A Marine veteran, he was a stage actor in New York. He died on June 19, 2012, from a heart attack.

Arthur Malet

Arthur Malet played the Graveyard Keeper in ‘Halloween’ (1978), a spooky figure in the opening scenes. His brief role set the film’s eerie tone.

Known for ‘Mary Poppins’ and ‘Hook,’ Malet was a character actor with a long career in film and TV. His distinctive look made him memorable. He died on May 18, 2013, from undisclosed causes.

Gus Lynch

Gus Lynch played Harold in ‘Halloween: Resurrection’ (2002), a quirky character in the reality-show plot. His comedic touch stood out in the film.

Lynch starred in ‘I Spy’ and ‘North Country,’ with a focus on supporting roles. He was active in film and TV until his death. He died on December 1, 2014, from cardiac arrest.

Tom Towles

Tom Towles played Larry Redgrave in ‘Halloween’ (2007), a cemetery worker in Rob Zombie’s reboot. His gritty performance fit the film’s raw energy.

Known for ‘Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer,’ Towles was a Chicago theater veteran who starred in ‘The Rock’ and ‘House of 1000 Corpses.’ He died on April 2, 2015, from stroke complications.

John Gilbert

John Gilbert played the Fat Sniper in ‘Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers’ (1989), a minor role in the chaotic sequel. His presence added to the action.

Gilbert appeared in ‘Avonlea’ and ‘Avenging Angelo,’ with a career in Canadian film and TV. He was a steady supporting actor. He died on April 22, 2021, from undisclosed causes.

Howard Hesseman

Howard Hesseman played Uncle Meat in ‘Halloween II’ (2009), a wild character in Rob Zombie’s sequel. His eccentric performance added chaos to the film.

Best known as Dr. Johnny Fever in ‘WKRP in Cincinnati,’ Hesseman starred in ‘This Is Spinal Tap’ and ‘Clue.’ His counterculture vibe shone through. He died on January 29, 2022, from colon surgery complications.

Mitchell Ryan

Mitchell Ryan played Dr. Wynn in ‘Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers’ (1995), a sinister figure tied to the cult. His chilling role deepened the film’s mystery.

Ryan was known for ‘Lethal Weapon’ and ‘Dark Shadows,’ with a career spanning soaps and films like ‘Magnum Force.’ He died on March 4, 2022, from congestive heart failure.

Chris Holloway

Chris Holloway was Officer #1 in ‘Halloween’ (2018), a small role in the modern sequel. His performance added to the film’s intense atmosphere.

A former military police officer, Holloway appeared in ‘Hunt or Be Hunted’ and was an independent filmmaker. He died on March 31, 2022, from injuries in a motorcycle crash.

Cliff Emmich

Cliff Emmich played Mr. Garrett in ‘Halloween II’ (1981), a hospital security guard with a tragic fate. His role heightened the film’s suspense.

Emmich appeared in ‘Invasion of the Bee Girls’ and TV shows like ‘Little House on the Prairie.’ His warm, tubby persona was memorable. He died on November 28, 2022, from natural causes.

George P. Wilbur

George P. Wilbur portrayed Michael Myers/The Shape in ‘Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers’ (1988) and ‘Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers’ (1995). His physicality brought the silent killer to life.

A stuntman and actor, Wilbur worked on ‘The Running Man’ and ‘Escape from New York.’ His horror roles were iconic. He died on February 1, 2023, from undisclosed causes.

Garn Stephens

Garn Stephens played Marge in ‘Halloween III: Season of the Witch’ (1982), a victim of the film’s deadly masks. Her brief role added to the horror.

Stephens starred in ‘Quantum Leap’ and ‘St. Elsewhere,’ and was married to actor Tom Atkins. She also wrote for TV. She died on April 2, 2023, from undisclosed causes.

Raymond O’Connor

Raymond O’Connor was the Security Guard in ‘Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers’ (1988), a small but tense role. His performance fit the film’s danger.

O’Connor appeared in ‘The Rock’ and ‘Just Like Heaven,’ often in supporting roles. His career spanned film and TV. He died on October 9, 2023, from undisclosed causes.

Alan Haufrect

Alan Haufrect played the Announcer in ‘Halloween II’ (1981), a voice role adding to the hospital’s eerie vibe. His brief contribution set the mood.

Haufrect starred in ‘Footloose’ and ‘Dynasty,’ with a career in small but steady roles. He was a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. He died on August 17, 2024, from undisclosed causes.

Nicholas Pryor

Nicholas Pryor played the Morgue Doctor in ‘Halloween Kills’ (2021), a minor role in the intense sequel. His calm presence contrasted the film’s chaos.

Known for ‘Risky Business’ and ‘Port Charles,’ Pryor had a long career in soaps, Broadway, and films like ‘Airplane!’ He died on October 7, 2024, from cancer.

Bradford English

Bradford English played John Strode in ‘Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers’ (1995), a troubled family man. His role added emotional weight to the story.

English appeared in ‘Basic Instinct’ and ‘Wolf,’ with a focus on character roles. He was a steady TV and film actor. He died on October 25, 2024, from undisclosed causes.

Tom Jacobsen

Tom Jacobsen played the Jail Cop in ‘Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers’ (1989), a small law enforcement role. His presence added to the film’s tension.

Jacobsen starred in ‘The World’s Fastest Indian’ and ‘SLC Punk!,’ mostly in Utah-based projects. His career was modest but consistent. He died on February 18, 2025, from undisclosed causes.

Which ‘Halloween’ actor’s performance left the biggest mark on you? Share your thoughts in the comments!