WASHINGTON: “It is with a heavy heart that I announce that veteran stage and screen actor Charles Cyphers has passed away in Tucson, Arizona, after a short illness,” his manager, Chris Roe, said in a statement.
“His family requests privacy at this time. A date and location for a celebration of life will be determined,” Roe said.
Cyphers initially played Sheriff Leigh Brackett in John Carpenter’s 1978 Halloween film opposite Jamie Lee Curtis. In his final film, he reprised his role in the sequels “Halloween II” (1981) and “Halloween Kills” (2021).
Previously, the late actor had worked with Carpenter in his hit film Assault on Precinct 13 (1976), in which he played Officer Starker.
Nancy Kayes, Cypher’s co-star in both films, said, “So sad to hear about dear Chuck. A friend of mine for many years, he could always be relied on for a kind word, a good laugh and a great story. He will be greatly missed.”
Born in Niagara Falls, New York, in 1939, Cyphers was interested in acting from childhood and earned a B.A. in theater from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and California State University.
He appeared in many hit TV shows, including Charlie’s Angels (1977), Roots (1977), The Betty White Show (1977), Barnaby Jones (1973–1977), Starsky & Hutch (1976–1979), The Dukes of Hazzard (1979–1984) and Hill Street Blues (1985–1987).
“Charles was a sweet and sensitive man,” Roe said. “He always had great stories, and when he told them you got the full performance. He was a close friend and customer for many years who will be greatly missed,” People reported.
