The renowned actor Charles Cyphers, best known for his role as Sheriff Leigh Brackett in the “Halloween” film series, has died at the age of 85. The news was confirmed by his management team, stating that he died after a brief illness in Tucson, Arizona, on Sunday, August 4, 2024.
Cyphers was born on July 28, 1939, in Niagara Falls, New York. He started his acting career after graduating from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and California State University, Los Angeles, with a Bachelor of Arts in theater arts. This marked the beginning of a prolific career spanning over four decades in film, television, and theater.
His debut in feature films was in the 1974 action thriller “Truck Turner.” He gained significant recognition after collaborating with director John Carpenter. Their first project was the 1976 action film “Assault on Precinct 13,” where Cyphers portrayed Officer Starker. This successful partnership continued as Carpenter cast him in several of his films, including “The Fog” (1980) and “Escape from New York” (1981).
In Carpenter’s 1978 horror classic “Halloween,” Cyphers played his most famous role of Sheriff Leigh Brackett, confronting the terror of Michael Myers in Haddonfield, Illinois. He reprised this role in the 1981 sequel “Halloween II” and the 2021 film “Halloween Kills.” At a 2022 convention, Cyphers joked about his return, saying, “To be called back again in a film is unheard of after 40 years. Most people are dead.”
Apart from his prominent role in the horror genre, Cyphers showed his acting versatility in films such as “Coming Home” (1978), “The Onion Field” (1979), “Honkytonk Man” (1982), and “Major League” (1989). His ability to adapt to various roles and genres made him a highly sought-after figure in Hollywood.
Alongside his film work, Cyphers had a successful career in television, featuring in popular shows including “The Bionic Woman,” “Charlie’s Angels,” “Wonder Woman,” “Starsky and Hutch,” “Dallas,” “Night Court,” “Seinfeld,” and “ER.” He had a recurring role in “The Betty White Show” as Hugo Muncy and played Al Yaroker in the WB sitcom “Nick Freno: Licensed Teacher” from 1996 to 1998. He also featured as Drake in the acclaimed 1977 miniseries “Roots.”
Beyond his screen roles, Cyphers was a committed theater actor, participating in numerous productions throughout his career. He was a member of the Company of Angels for 25 years and received the Los Angeles Drama Critics Award for Best Performance by an Actor for his role in “The Caretaker.”
His manager, Chris Roe, remembered Cyphers as a caring individual with captivating storytelling abilities. Nancy Kyes, a co-star from “Halloween,” “The Fog,” and “Assault on Precinct 13,” shared her memories of Cyphers as a reliable friend known for his kindness, humor, and intriguing stories.
Director John Carpenter, who collaborated with Cyphers on various projects, paid tribute to him on social media, recalling him as a kind-hearted friend and a significant contributor to his early films.
The legacy of Charles Cyphers is marked by his memorable performances and deep connections with audiences and colleagues. His role as Sheriff Leigh Brackett in the “Halloween” series will remain a landmark in horror cinema, ensuring his contributions to the genre will be appreciated for years to come.
