Character actor Cliff Emich, who played lead roles in “Pedee” and “Thunderbolt and Lightfoot,” has died, his agent confirmed. He was 85 years old.
Emmich’s representative and friend of more than 50 years, Steve Stevens, tells TheWrap that the celebrity died Monday in Los Angeles after a long battle with lung cancer.
Stevens said, “He was a very special man and an underrated actor.” “He loved being a member in good standing of the Screen Actors Guild and AFTRA and took great pride in his chosen profession. He loved being a cowboy and could ride a horse with the best of them. I’m sure now He would be embarrassed by the attention Cliff is getting.”
Emmich’s best-known roles were in Chicago, as the chauffeur who drove a Cadillac sedan to transport honky tonk singer Maury Dan (Rip Torn) in “Payday” (1973), and as the Western Union security guard who dressed up Jeff Bridges. Found charming character in Michael Cimino’s “Thunderbolt and Lightfoot” (1974).
He also had a role in “Halloween II” (1981) as a security guard – one who doesn’t survive Michael Myers’ hammer. In his guest appearance on Season 5 of NBC’s “Little House on the Prairie” as a shy, overweight man of middle age whose daughter is embarrassed by him, Emmich was cast. He played the role in the episode “The Man Inside”.
Prior to beginning his acting career, Emich served in the United States Air Force upon graduating from John Muir High School in Pasadena. He studied acting at the Pasadena Playhouse, went on tour with the American Repertory Players, and followed his calling to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where he took summer stock at the Pink Garter Theatre.
His father, Clifford, dealt exotic cars to celebrity clients such as Clark Gable, Gary Cooper, and Ozzie Nelson.
Emmich made his acting debut in an uncredited role in Norman Jewison’s 1969 film “Gally, Gaily” starring Beau Bridges. In 1979, he portrayed “The Candy Man” as a con artist in the “Fonzy’s Funeral” episode (a two-parter) of “Happy Days”.
Other film credits include “Invasion of the Bee Girls” (1973), “Jackson County Jail” (1976), “Barracuda” (1978), “Hellhole” (1985) and “Digital Man” (1995). Couple,” “Ironside,” “The FBI,” “Starsky & Hutch,” “Night Court,” “Murder, She Wrote,” “Coach,” “Nash Bridges” and “Walker, Texas Ranger.”
Emich is survived by his nephews Chuck, Mark and James, as well as his niece Shirley.
