Sad news tonight has come in that cult film actor Robert Z’Dar has passed away in Pensacola, Florida at the age of 64. Unfortunately with the timing of this news, many may believe this to be an April Fools joke, but sadly the news has been confirmed with Z’Dar’s manager and close friend, Jim Decker.
According to the Pensacola News Journal, Z’Dar known for his distinctive chin died Monday night in Pensacola after being hospitalized when he came to town to appear at Pensacon, according to manager, Decker.
Z’Dar appeared in more than one hundred films, many of which were in the horror/sci-fi and action genres. Thanks to his distinctive look, he was well suited and felt at home in the genre we all love. It was the horror genre that made him a star in his breakout role as officer Matt Cordell in 1998’s Maniac Cop.
Z’Dar would go on to star the sequels Maniac Cop 2 (1990) and Maniac Cop 3: Badge of Silence (1993) as well as the films Grotesque (1988), Soultaker (1990), Samurai Cop (1991), Frogtown II (1992), Zombiegeddon (2003) and many more. He appeared in many action films including the big budget Tango & Cash (1989) and Mobsters (1991). He had roles in several mainstream TV shows such as Growing Pains and the 1991 TV series The Flash.
Born Robert J. Zdarsky in Chicago, Illinois, the 6-foot-2 actor was instantly recognizable for his large face and jutting jaw. He was huge on the convention circuit and to this day was still highly in demand for cons across the country. He was always a pleasant face at the cons and eager to meet and greet fans who always loved him and his films. On a personal note, I had the opportunity to meet Robert on a couple of occasions at conventions and was always gracious and appreciative of his fans.
His manager Jim Decker stated Z’Dar was hospitalized after suffering chest pains during Pensacon, and was on the mend before going into cardiac arrest Monday night.
“We talked every day,” Decker said. “We’ve been together through thick and thin. He was the first actor I took on in my career as an agent. We spent many weekends on the road together and a lot of time enjoying each other’s company. I miss him dearly.”
Decker said Z’Dar continued to be in demand as an actor and he continued to review scripts up until the last moments of his life. He’d been looking forward to his role in “Samurai Cop 2” and was eager to get back to work.
Decker mentioned that prior to his acting career, Z’Dar played football for Arizona State University, was in a band called Nova Express and spent time as a Chippendale’s dancer.
Decker said that Z’Dar is survived by a brother, Billy Zdarsky, and a nephew, Matthew. He said those who would like to send condolences could do so through his email, esotericking@gmail.com.
All of us here at Horror Society would like to offer our condolences to Robert Z’Dar’s family and friends. He was an unstoppable force in the world of cinema and his contributions to the genre will never be forgotten. His work will live on and entertain countless generations of fans for years to come.
You will be greatly missed, kind sir. May you rest in peace.
Robert Z’Dar 1950 – 2015
Source: Pensacola News Journal
That happens to be 1988 when MANIAC COP was released,for sad to know that we’ve lost him. :( :(