Dick Miller Has Passed Away

If you watch movies, then chances are you would instantly recognize Dick Miller's face, not just because he has more than 180 screen credits to his name (according to IMDb), but because he instills each of his characters with an unforgettable personality and indelible screen presence. Miller was truly a unique and wonderful performer, and it is with especially heavy hearts that we share the news of his passing at the age of 90.

Multiple sources, including The Hollywood Reporter, report the news of Miller's passing at the age of 90 in Toluca Lake, California. According to a family spokesperson, he passed away from natural causes and was surrounded by loved ones.

Miller's first film role dates back to 1955, and from that point on, there was no turning back for Miller, who was a constant presence in film and TV, playing memorable characters in just about every genre imaginable over seven decades.

Horror fans in particular have a special place in their hearts for Miller. The prolific actor worked frequently with filmmaker Joe Dante, playing Buck Gardner in Piranha and occult book store owner Walter Paisley in The Howling (he also played characters named "Walter Paisley" in Roger Corman's A Bucket of Blood, Dante's segment in Twilight Zone: The Movie, Jim Wynorski's Chopping Mall, and Eben McGarr's Hanukkah), as well as Murray Futterman in Gremlins and Gremlins 2: The New Batch, the cab driver in Innerspace, the garbageman in The ’Burbs, Al in an episode of Eerie, Indiana, Herb Denning in Matinee, deliveryman Joe in Small Soldiers, and roles in The Hole and Burying the Ex.

Miller also worked on a myriad of other genre TV series and films, including Death Race 2000, The Terminator, Tales from the Darkside, Night of the Creeps, Freddy's Nightmares, Amityville 1992: It's About Time, and Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight. Miller even directed an episode of Miami Vice back in 1986.

Like the late Harry Dean Stanton, Miller was a character actor with an extensive résumé of playing memorable supporting characters, but also like Stanton, Miller's charisma and acting chops made him feel like the lead character in any scene he was in.

Miller was the type of actor that could enhance the performances around him, and the characters he played felt lived-in, real, and often relatable—even if they were only on screen for a minute or two. It was this versatile personality that made Miller a welcome addition to any movie he was in, whether he was adding comic relief or providing dramatic levity. Miller really could do it all.

Generations of viewers grew up watching Miller, and we're fortunate to have decades of his performances to look back on and cherish. Those who were lucky enough to work with Miller will surely cherish their own memories of making movie magic with a legendary, one-of-a-kind talent. Our thoughts are with Miller's family and friends during this difficult time.

On Twitter, Joe Dante shared fond remembrances of his dear friend:

I'm devastated to report that one of my best friends and most treasured collaborators has passed away. I "grew up" (kinda) watching Dick Miller in movies from the 50s on and was thrilled to have him in my first movie for @RogerCorman... (1/2)https://t.co/TEsacH8SUW

— Joe Dante (@joe_dante) January 31, 2019

...We hit it off and every script thereafter I always looked for a role for Dick--not just because he was my friend but because I loved watching him act! But he leaves behind over 100 performances, a bio & a doc--not bad for a guy who hardly ever enjoyed a starring role. (2/2) pic.twitter.com/sqXgMIZb6k

— Joe Dante (@joe_dante) January 31, 2019