RIP Robert Z'Dar

[sprite75]

The head soultaker has moved on to the hereafter;

Actor Robert Z'Dar, the massive man with the gigantic chin best known for the cult film series "Maniac Cop," died Monday night in Pensacola after being hospitalized when he came to town to appear at Pensacon, according to his long-time manager and friend Jim Decker.

Born Robert J. Zdarsky, the 6-foot-2 actor was featured in more than 121 films, including cult classics like the first three "Maniac Cop" films, "Soultaker," "The Final Sanction" and "Samurai Cop" (the sequel to which Z'Dar had been set to join immediately after Pensacon). He also enjoyed roles in mainstream hits such as "Tango & Cash" and TV roles on "Growing Pains" and the 1990 series "The Flash."

Instantly recognizable for his large face and jutting jaw, his fanbase grew when two of his films, "Soultaker" and "Future War," were lampooned on "Mystery Science Theater 3000." A staple on the convention scene, he appeared at both of Pensacon's shows.

RIP Robert Z'Dar.

[akiratubo]

 




This actually makes me quite sad.  Z'Dar has been one of my favorite bad movie actors since I was about 9 years old.  If you pay attention, he wasn't a bad actor at all, just typecast because of his size and looks.

[Rev. Powell]

I agree, Z'dar was a good actor and a welcome presence in some fun flicks. RIP Mr. Z'dar.

[FatFreddysCat]

That's a bummer. The "Maniac Cop" flicks are perennial favorites 'round my house, in fact I revisited "MC2" just a couple of weeks ago.

R.I.P. sir!

[WingedSerpent]

Just heard about this.  That's sad. 

My personal favorite film of his is Return to Frogtown. 

[Rev. Powell]

Apparently he died too poor to afford a funeral and his nephew is asking for money to hold a service. Wow, sad.

http://www.gofundme.com/robertzdar

[JaseSF]

R.I.P. Robert Z'Dar.  What a resume he had, of mostly bad movies. Arguably a bad movie star legend.

[sprite75]

I just found out that Z'Dar had been living in Dubuque (this article is behind a paywall) prior to his passing.  (I live near Dubuque).  Didn't know about that until he had passed.

And now that I think of it I believe I did see him around town a couple times over the years.  My understanding is that he liked to hang out at the same combination bar/coffee shop I do, but I don't recall seeing him there.  At any rate the photo of the Maniac Cop in the bar makes sense now.

Here's a PDF of an article about him from 2012 that's not behind a paywall.

[Jim H]

That's too bad.  Did he film anything for Samurai Cop 2 before he passed?  Be a fitting final role.

[Trevor]

Apparently he died too poor to afford a funeral and his nephew is asking for money to hold a service. Wow, sad.

http://www.gofundme.com/robertzdar

Agreed: very sad. I see far too many actors who die penniless and there should be a government fund for them so at least they know comfort in their last days.