There’s no way I could get to Halloween 2014 without doing a Where Are They Now? for the original Halloween Sheriff, Leigh Brackett, played by the amazing Mr. Charles Cyphers. Charles was born in 1939 in the great state of New York. After graduating from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts with a degree in theatre, he started pursing his dreams in tinsel town. His first role, though uncredited, was in 1972’s Cool Breeze, followed by The Slams in 1973. In these titles he played, you guessed it, a member of law enforcement. Next, he played a supporting role in Assault on Precinct 13. This would, of course, be his first time working for John Carpenter.
After Assault on Precinct 13, Mr. Cyphers started to get television roles, too. They included guest spots on “Roots,” “Charlie’s Angels,” and “Wonder Woman” all in 1977, followed by a recurring role on “The Betty White Show” in 1978.
Also in 1978 Charles would book the supporting role of Sheriff Leigh Brackett in John Carpenter’s Halloween. Sheriff Brackett is the sheriff of Haddonfield on Halloween when he responds to a hard-wear store break-in. Still unaware that Michael Myers is on the loose, he eventually meets Dr. Sam Loomis who warns him of the murderer, but there is little that Leigh can do. Forming a mutual agreement, the duo agree to stake out the Myers House incase Michael drops by. As the night lingered on and with no sign of Myers, Sheriff Brackett calls off the stake-out and dismisses Judith’s missing headstone as a Halloween prank. Unfortunately, he is proved wrong and reaps the consequences when Michael murders Leigh’s daughter, Annie.
Following his first film in the Halloween franchise, Charles Cyphers booked another horror role in the same year, 1978’s Someone’s Watching Me, and continued his quest starring appearances in “Starsky and Hutch.” He concluded that role in 1979 and also landed small roles in the Golden Globe nominated Elvis and Golden Globe nominated Friendly. In 1980 he resumed his partnership with John Carpenter and played supporting roles in The Fog and Escape From New York (1981) as the Secretary of State. The pair would collaborate for one final time on Halloween II (1981)
In Halloween II, Sheriff Brackett returns from telling his wife of Annie’s fate and resumes the search for Michael Myers. Together, Brackett and Loomis witness a car crash that kills someone they assume to be Myers.
Having completed work on Halloween II, Cyphers found himself with guest spots on “Dukes of Hazard” in 1984, “Matlock” in 1986, “Dallas” in 1987, “21 Jump Street” in 1988, “Freddy’s Nightmares” in 1989, “Renegade” in 1993, “Seinfeld,” “ER,” and “JAG” in 1995, and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” in 1998. During this almost fifteen year span he also appeared in two horror films – Hunter’s Blood (1986) and Grizzly II: The Concert (1987) – and the hit comedy Major League (1989).
So, where is Charles Cyphers now?
I’m happy to say that Mr. Cyphers is still acting! His most recent appearances include horror titles Dead Calling (2006), Methodic (2007), and the upcoming feature Stingy Jack (2015), where he will once again play a town sheriff.
