Cult Actor Robert Z'Dar Dies at 64

Robert Z’Dar, the cult actor best known for his role in the Maniac Cop series, died in Pensacola, Florida, on Monday. He was 64.

Z’Dar was hospitalized for chest pains while attending Pensacon, according to his longtime manager Jim Decker. He appeared to be getting better until he went into cardiac arrest.

“We talked every day,” Decker told the Pensacola News-Journal. “We’ve been together through thick and thin.”

He added: “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.”

Z’Dar, who appeared in more than 100 films, was a cult movie favorite, often starring as a villain. He gained popularity when two of his movies – Soultaker and Future War – were spoofed on Mystery Science Theater 3000.

“Everyone at Pensacon is very saddened,” the event’s chairman Mike Ensley said. “But we are glad he was here and that he didn’t pass away alone.”