FLINT, MI -- The horror film industry lost one of its most recognizable faces recently, and the loss hits home for a Genesee County director and producer.
Actor Robert Z'Dar, mostly known for his role as Matt Cordell in the cult classic "Maniac Cop" film series, died from cardiac arrest on Monday, March 30, at age 64. He was hospitalized in Pensacola, Fla.
Flint filmmaker Brad Leo Lyon has worked with Z'Dar for the past several years. He casted him in the campy horror comedy "Little Creeps," and again for "Monsters On Main Street." Lyon was always a big fan of Z'Dar: He played in the "Maniac Cop" horror series, "Tango and Cash," "Hellhole," and more. When he died, he had appeared in more than 120 films.
Lyon was an inexperienced filmmaker when he first cast Z'Dar, and he expected Z'Dar to simply do his job and go home. He got more than that: Z'Dar complimented his preparation for the film, and became a mentor over time. Once he moved to Iowa to live with his new wife, Lyon said, Z'Dar asked him to become his manager to get help booking gigs in the Midwest after being so used to living in Hollywood.
"You expect a certain level of tightness, and behavior toward amateurs. Instead of having that standoffish feel, he was embracing, loving and caring, and easy to work with," Lyon remembers from their early work together. "When you have a pro like that, who has done 120 films, says, 'You did your homework before taking the reins,' it's such a nice compliment to hear from a man."
The selflessness and professionalism extended beyond the set. Lyon fondly recalls Z'Dar offering space in his suite to an aspiring actor they traveled with to London, Ont., for the Shock Stock convention. He also took time to mail out cards and gifts.
"Any of us who know him on a personal level, he would somehow get your mailing information, always remember your birthday or a major holiday, and he'll literally mail you a personalized note and a box of cherry chocolates," he said. "Such a sweet thing to know, here's an actor who probably takes out the time to send things to hundreds of people."
"Little Creeps" and "Monsters On Main Street" were partially filmed in Flint and elsewhere in Genesee County. As a result, Z'Dar "became a regular in the independent film circle of Michigan," Lyon said.
Filmmaker Kevin Smith ("Clerks," "Chasing Amy," "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back") left a message on Lyon's Facebook page that paid homage to Z'Dar's career. Smith said that he often watched "Maniac Cop" in the same video store that "Clerks" was shot in, playing the film in the store whenever it wasn't rented out.
"Your man made many of my days go by quicker and his work helped fuel my young imagination, as I dreamed of making my own flicks," Smith wrote. "I'm sorry I never got to meet or work with him. Please pass on my condolences."
Z'Dar's legacy will continue through his films, and Lyon hopes to keep his name alive with his works as well.
He had hoped to get Z'Dar in two of his upcoming projects -- a TV series called "Roommates," and a film called "Thursday The 12th" -- once his health improved. He plans to dedicate an episode of "Roommates," and the film, to Z'Dar's memory.