Gremlins, Terminator Actor Dick Miller Has Passed Away

Dick Miller, known for numerous character roles in nearly 200 films spanning over 60 years, has passed away at the age of 90. The actor frequently worked with a number of celebrated movie directors, including James Cameron, Roger Corman, Martin Scorsese, and especially Joe Dante, being featured in the majority of his projects. Horror fans in particular should be quite familiar with Miller's roles in the genre, with his most prolific role being that of the father, Murray Futterman, in the Gremlins franchise.

Dick Miller's breakthrough role was as busboy-turned-murdering artist Walter Paisley in Roger Corman's A Bucket of Blood, a role he would come back to reprise, at least in name, numerous times.

In fact, Miller starred in seven total films in which his character was named Walter Paisley, including in 1981's The Howling as an occult bookshop owner, a janitor in 1986's Chopping Mall, and as a police officer in Night of the Creeps.

Besides the Paisley in-joke roles, Miller starred in a number of other prominent horror films, such as realtor Buck Gardner in Piranha, Uncle Willie in Tales From the Crypt Presents: Demon Knight, and the unnamed gunshop owner who sells to Arnold Schwarzenegger in The Terminator.

Several prominent entertainment figures have taken to social media to express their condolences, including his most frequent collaborator and friend, director Joe Dante.

...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

Miller is survived by his wife Lainie Miller, who he has been married to since 1959, as well as a daughter and granddaughter. We here at Dead Entertainment would like to express our own best wishes to Miller's family and friends. He had a huge impact on the genre we love and his contributions will be missed.

About the Author

L.B. Lubomski

Lawrence "L.B." Lubomski is an avid horror movie fan, gamer, musician, historian, and aspiring author. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, L.B. was exposed to the works of local filmmaker and godfather of zombie cinema George A. Romero early on. He has since developed a particular fondness for Italian zombie/cannibal and slasher films. This passion for horror extends into other media, from survival horror video games such as Resident Evil to horror-inspired musical artists. In his spare time, L.B. pursues many interests including building his collection of vinyl records, action figures, and vintage video games as well as drumming in various local bands.

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