Don Calfa Has Passed Away

Some very sad news is circulating today, as it's been reported that Don Calfa has passed away at the age of 76.

Multiple sources, including The Hollywood Reporter, reveal that Calfa passed away at his residence in Yucca Valley, California.

For many horror fans, Calfa will forever be known as Ernie, the mortician who helped his friend Burt and a group of young punks take on an army of zombies in Dan O'Bannon's The Return of the Living Dead. In addition to his indelible dialogue, Calfa's believable role as Ernie grounded the film in reality—his reactions to the dead coming to life mirrored how many might have reacted in a similarly bizarre (and frightening) situation.

A go-to character actor, Calfa's film credits also included roles in The Postman Always Rings Twice, Weekend at Bernie's, Chopper Chicks in Zombietown, and Martin Scorsese's New York, New York, and he also had a presence on the small screen, appearing in The Bionic Woman, Tales of the Unexpected, Twin Peaks, Boy Meets World, Murder, She Wrote and more.

Our thoughts go out to Calfa's family and friends during this difficult time. What's your favorite memory or performance from Calfa?