Don Calfa was a versatile and prolific actor who appeared in over 100 films and television shows, playing both comedic and dramatic roles. He was best known for his memorable performances as the mortician Ernie in The Return of the Living Dead, the hitman Paulie in Weekend at Bernie’s, and the telephone operator in 1941. He also worked with renowned directors such as Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and Blake Edwards. But how did Don Calfa die? Here is what we know about his cause of death and his legacy.
Natural Causes at 76
According to his publicist Michael Perez, Don Calfa died of natural causes on December 1, 2016, in Palm Springs, California. He was 76 years old and passed away two days before his birthday. Perez did not specify the exact cause of death, but said that Calfa had been in declining health for some time. He also said that Calfa was surrounded by his family and friends when he died.
Calfa’s death was mourned by his fans and colleagues, who paid tribute to him on social media. His co-star from The Return of the Living Dead, Beverly Randolph, wrote on Facebook: “My dear friend Don Calfa has passed away. I am sitting here stunned and heartbroken. He was a wonderful man and I love him beyond words. He was a huge part of my life. I will miss him terribly.” His co-star from Weekend at Bernie’s, Jonathan Silverman, tweeted: “RIP Don Calfa. A great actor, a great man. I was lucky to work with him, luckier to know him. He will be greatly missed.”
A Long and Diverse Career
Don Calfa was born on December 3, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in Ozone Park, Queens, and West Hempstead, Long Island. He developed an interest in acting after watching films such as Rebel Without a Cause and Vertigo. He dropped out of high school to join a theater workshop, and later finished his degree through night school. He joined the Actors’ Equity Association and the Screen Actors Guild, and started his career in theater, appearing in many off-off-Broadway productions and on Broadway in Mating Dance and Lenny.
He made his film debut in 1968 in The Boston Strangler, and went on to appear in dozens of movies, ranging from comedies to dramas to horror flicks. Some of his notable films include New York, New York, 10, The Postman Always Rings Twice, Bugsy, and Necronomicon. He also had a busy career in television, working on shows such as Kojak, Baretta, The Streets of San Francisco, The Bionic Woman, Benson, Night Court, Simon & Simon, Hill Street Blues, Matlock, Twin Peaks, Doogie Howser, M.D., Murder She Wrote, and Beverly Hills, 90210.
Calfa was known for his ability to play different types of characters, from quirky to menacing, and for his distinctive voice and appearance. He often wore a mustache and glasses, and dyed his hair blonde for his role as Ernie in The Return of the Living Dead. He was also a talented singer and musician, and performed in several bands and musicals. He was married to actress Trixie Flynn from 1977 to 1981, and had no children.
A Cult Icon and a Friend
Don Calfa’s most iconic role was as Ernie Kaltenbrunner, the eccentric and gun-toting mortician who helps his friend deal with a zombie outbreak in the 1985 cult horror-comedy The Return of the Living Dead. The film was a spoof of the zombie genre, and featured a cast of colorful characters, a punk rock soundtrack, and a dark sense of humor. Calfa’s performance as Ernie was praised by critics and fans alike, and he became a cult icon among horror enthusiasts.
Calfa remained close friends with the cast and crew of The Return of the Living Dead, and attended many horror conventions and screenings of the film across the country. He also participated in the 2012 documentary More Brains! A Return to the Living Dead, where he shared his memories and anecdotes from the making of the film. He was proud of his role as Ernie, and often wore a shirt that said “I’m a mortician, not a magician” at public events.
Don Calfa was a beloved character actor who left a lasting impression on the film and television industry. He was admired for his versatility, his professionalism, and his personality. He was a great actor, a great man, and a great friend. He will be greatly missed by his fans and his peers. Rest in peace, Don Calfa.
