The Return Of The Living Dead Cast
Alright, gather 'round, horror fans! Let's talk about a movie that's so ridiculously awesome, it's practically radioactive: The Return of the Living Dead! And more importantly, let's see what happened to the awesome folks who brought this brain-munching masterpiece to life.
The Coolest Ghoul Crew
Thom Mathews: Freddy, the Unlucky Newbie
Thom Mathews, our lovable screw-up Freddy, is practically horror royalty. After escaping brain-hungry zombies he went on to star as Tommy Jarvis in the Friday the 13th franchise. He's still acting too in various indie films, conventions, and meeting fans like us.
James Karen: Frank, the Slightly Clueless Supervisor
Oh, James Karen, you glorious goofball! He was the face of those eternally terrifying Tombstone Pizza commercials. After The Return of the Living Dead, he continued a long career in acting. Karen sadly passed away in 2018, but his iconic performance lives on...braaaains!
Must Read
Clu Gulager: Burt, the "I've Seen Some Stuff" Owner
Clu Gulager, the man who made hazmat suits look like the height of fashion! He was the owner of Uneeda Medical Supplies. After fighting zombies, he became a legend in the Western genre. Sadly, Gulager passed away in 2022.
Don Calfa: Ernie, the Oddball Mortician
Oh, Don Calfa, our favorite slightly creepy mortician! He gave us serious "I know more than I'm letting on" vibes. He had a fantastic career playing quirky and memorable characters until he passed away in 2016.
Linnea Quigley: Trash, the Punk Rock Zombie Dream Girl
Arguably the most iconic zombie ever: Linnea Quigley! Her dancing on the tomb as Trash is legendary. She's a scream queen for the ages! She has been working ever since as an actress, model, and musician.
Still Kicking (or Stumbling)
While some of the cast are sadly no longer with us, their legacy lives on. And the actors who are still around? They are out there meeting fans, signing autographs, and keeping the zombie love alive!
It's awesome to see so many of the original cast members still embracing their roles in this cult classic. They know we love them and that The Return of the Living Dead holds a special place in our hearts.
Why We Still Love Them
It's more than just the scares. It's the humor, the punk rock attitude, and the fact that it doesn't take itself too seriously. The actors understood that and delivered performances that were both terrifying and hilarious. They are the reason we keep coming back for more brainy goodness!
So, next time you're watching The Return of the Living Dead, raise a glass (of trioxin-laced soda, perhaps?) to the cast. They gave us a movie that's not just a horror classic, it's a party on celluloid. And that, my friends, is something worth celebrating!
