I was shocked and saddened to hear of the recent passing of Robert
Z’Dar – so he took over the last post in this April 2015 A-Z Blogging
Challenge.
Robert Z’Dar first showed up on my pop culture radar screen when
he played the title role in Maniac Cop. Z’Dar was the hulking Matt Cordell – a
police officer betrayed by his fellow officers and killed – but now back from
the grave for revenge.
After that, I started to notice his unique name whenever it popped up in the credits of another genre movie – and I watched him in several of those, including The Night Stalker (1987), Cherry 2000, and Tango and Cash.
After that, I started to notice his unique name whenever it popped up in the credits of another genre movie – and I watched him in several of those, including The Night Stalker (1987), Cherry 2000, and Tango and Cash.
He returned for two more Maniac Cop sequels in 1990 and 1993 and
both of them were pretty good too.
I reviewed some of his movies back in my old review newsletter M5
– and it was a mix of his then-newest movies and some of his older flicks. I
noticed back then that he had some physical issues that were manifesting visibly
across his career. Apparently Z’Dar suffered from a genetic disorder called "cherubism" that
kept the bones in his lower facial structure growing - and his jawline was visibly larger throughout his career. According to everyone who met him or worked with him his medical issues did not affect his interactions with them – they all say he was wonderful
to be around.
Sadly, during a convention appearance in Florida at the end of
March, Robert Z’Dar suffered a massive cardiac arrest and died shortly
thereafter. You should check out some Robert Z'Dar shows when you can in his memory.
After that sad post, I do want to turn to a happier note - today is my birthday! Huzzah! As I have for the previous four years, I'm ending this whole April 2015 A-Z Blogging Challenge with a couple of video clips to celebrate my natal day.
From the excellent movie The Man from Hong Kong:
And since I'm totally in a 007 mood with Spectre coming in about 200 days - here's the teaser trailer to Licence to Kill (1989)...
Until next post, you Can Poke Me With Some Birthday Cake, Cause I Am Outta Here!
I was a bit concerned about his jaw, actually. Now that you straightened me out concerning his Cherubism, that certainly answered a lot of questions.
ReplyDeleteStill, this is indeed a nice way to remember the Maniac Cop himself, Robert Z'dar. Guess I have to keep an eye for him in the upcoming release for the slasher Easter Sunday. (which they claim he appeared in)
I hope he remains in Easter Sunday - it's always nice when you can at least look forward to the last couple of new shows after an actor you like passes. Glad I could set your mind at ease, K!
DeleteHuzzah! Happy Birthday... I hope your day is fantastic as your posts during the challenge were. I also to note I met Robert a few times, he always very nice and that chin... you broke that chin -tango and cash
ReplyDeleteJeremy
Thank you man! I appreciate the kind thought and the kind words! I'm also pleased you got to hang out with the man.
DeleteHappy birthday, Craig! (Mine was April 28). I don't remember seeing Z'dar's films but I do remember seeing him here and there. However, License to Kill was one of my faves. Timothy Dalton was my favorite Bond after Sean Connery. Now I'm a fan of Daniel Craig. (Hey, Craig, you're Bond! - Daniel "Craig'!) Two degrees of separation.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry I missed your birthday! I will pop over to the Buffalo and add an additional comment! It's funny you mention my name in common with our sitting Bond - it actually made me very happy to see the headlines when he was announced: "Craig is the new Bond!" I felt like I'd finally been discovered!
DeleteSorry I'm a day late so I hope you had a wonderful Birthday!
ReplyDeleteIt's never too late - and thank you very much - it's been pretty marvelous!
DeleteWhat a jaw! Congrats on getting to the letter Z! Reminder: there will be an A to Z Reflections round on May 4th. There will be a Linky for it on the main blog, so please look for it there! Please post your reflections on the challenge, visit others, and catch up on the blogs you didn't have time to read!
ReplyDeleteTeam Macha, Helping Co-Host Zalka
Maui Jungalow
Thanks for the reminder - however I won't be posting for that - I have my own regular posts to get back to.
DeleteI was wondering what happened to him and that is a tragedy for an accomplished character actor.
ReplyDelete