Actor Don Calfa (1939-2016) - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 12-02-2016, 01:08 PM

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Just a few days short of his 77th birthday, FANGORIA is sad to report that cult film and horror icon Don Calfa has passed away, as per various reports from his former co-stars. A fine performer and convention stalwart, Calfa’s standing in the genre film community was never questioned, and while he was long overdue for a career renaissance akin to his more prolific counterparts, Calfa’s work certainly speaks for itself, and will remain to do so for years to come.

Having started his career as a frequent collaborator of Robert Downey Sr., with a prominent supporting role in Downey’s benchmark cult film GREASER’S PALACE, Calfa quickly became a steady working character actor. Calfa found himself working with filmmakers such as Peter Bogdanovich, William Castle (in the killer mime film SHANKS), Martin Scorsese, Blake Edwards, Mark Rydell, and Steven Spielberg, whilst landing a memorable turn in the 1978 comedy hit FOUL PLAY. But Calfa wouldn’t cement his place in horror history until taking on the role of mortician Ernie Kaltenbrunner in Dan O’Bannon’s RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD, where his pitch-perfect comedic timing and chemistry among the ensemble cast helped him steal scenes from greats such as Clu Gulager and James Karen.

While Calfa would find more success throughout the ’80s and ’90s, with memorable roles in projects such as WEEKEND AT BERNIE’S, BUGSY, and STAY TUNED, the actor would keep his toes in the would of horror throughout the years, with small but memorable roles in Brian Yuzna’s NECRONOMICON and PROGENY, the Peter Hyams-helmed episode of AMAZING STORIES, Troma’s CHOPPER CHICKS IN ZOMBIETOWN, and even a blink-if-you-miss-it role in TWIN PEAKS. However, Calfa’s film work would slow down in recent years, with the actor instead spending time at horror conventions whilst enjoying his semi-retirement. His final genre film effort would be an uncredited turn in 2004’s CORPSES ARE FOREVER, helmed by genre filmmaker Jose Prendes.

bgva · 12-02-2016, 02:44 PM

He was one of those actors who you knew you'd seen him in something, but couldn't place the name or show. IMDb reminded me that I've seen him in Barney Miller and Doogie Howser, as Vinnie's father.

RIP...

Marvo301 · 12-02-2016, 03:22 PM

Don Calfa. Another great character actor exits the stage.

Heenan Fan · 12-02-2016, 04:06 PM

He was a wonderful actor, usually playing a villain. He was great playing several different characters on Barney Miller & an iconic role in Weekend At Bernies.

R.I.P. Don Calfa

12-02-2016, 01:08 PM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,460	Actor Don Calfa (1939-2016) Link Just a few days short of his 77th birthday, FANGORIA is sad to report that cult film and horror icon Don Calfa has passed away, as per various reports from his former co-stars. A fine performer and convention stalwart, Calfa’s standing in the genre film community was never questioned, and while he was long overdue for a career renaissance akin to his more prolific counterparts, Calfa’s work certainly speaks for itself, and will remain to do so for years to come. Having started his career as a frequent collaborator of Robert Downey Sr., with a prominent supporting role in Downey’s benchmark cult film GREASER’S PALACE, Calfa quickly became a steady working character actor. Calfa found himself working with filmmakers such as Peter Bogdanovich, William Castle (in the killer mime film SHANKS), Martin Scorsese, Blake Edwards, Mark Rydell, and Steven Spielberg, whilst landing a memorable turn in the 1978 comedy hit FOUL PLAY. But Calfa wouldn’t cement his place in horror history until taking on the role of mortician Ernie Kaltenbrunner in Dan O’Bannon’s RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD, where his pitch-perfect comedic timing and chemistry among the ensemble cast helped him steal scenes from greats such as Clu Gulager and James Karen. While Calfa would find more success throughout the ’80s and ’90s, with memorable roles in projects such as WEEKEND AT BERNIE’S, BUGSY, and STAY TUNED, the actor would keep his toes in the would of horror throughout the years, with small but memorable roles in Brian Yuzna’s NECRONOMICON and PROGENY, the Peter Hyams-helmed episode of AMAZING STORIES, Troma’s CHOPPER CHICKS IN ZOMBIETOWN, and even a blink-if-you-miss-it role in TWIN PEAKS. However, Calfa’s film work would slow down in recent years, with the actor instead spending time at horror conventions whilst enjoying his semi-retirement. His final genre film effort would be an uncredited turn in 2004’s CORPSES ARE FOREVER, helmed by genre filmmaker Jose Prendes.
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

12-02-2016, 03:22 PM	#3
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,460	Don Calfa. Another great character actor exits the stage.
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

12-02-2016, 02:44 PM	#2
bgva Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Aug 10, 2015 Location: VA Posts: 413	He was one of those actors who you knew you'd seen him in something, but couldn't place the name or show. IMDb reminded me that I've seen him in Barney Miller and Doogie Howser, as Vinnie's father. RIP...

12-02-2016, 04:06 PM	#4
Heenan Fan Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Oct 19, 2016 Posts: 6,001	He was a wonderful actor, usually playing a villain. He was great playing several different characters on Barney Miller & an iconic role in Weekend At Bernies. R.I.P. Don Calfa