Born: December 25, 1928 – Died: January 30, 2019
Dick Miller, born on Christmas Day in 1928 in the Bronx, New York, to Russian Jewish immigrant parents Isidor "Ira" and Rita Blucher Miller, was a quintessential character actor whose remarkable career spanned several decades. His journey, beginning in a humble environment, saw him serve in the U.S. Navy and earn a title as a middleweight boxer before venturing into acting.
Early Life and Career
Miller's upbringing in the Bronx set the stage for a diverse and vibrant career. After his time in the Navy and his stint as a boxer, he moved to Los Angeles in the mid-1950s. It was here that his acting career began to take shape, thanks to producer/director Roger Corman, who cast him in numerous low-budget films. These roles often typecast him as unlikeable characters, but Miller brought a unique charm to every part he played.
His breakout role came as Walter Paisley, a mentally unstable artist in "A Bucket of Blood" (1959), a rare starring role for him that left an indelible mark on the industry. This character became so iconic that Miller reprised variations of it in several other projects. He was also memorable in "The 'Burbs" (1989) as a garbageman and as Mr. Futterman in "Gremlins" (1984).
Throughout his career, Miller became known for his collaborations with director Joe Dante, appearing in every film or television film Dante directed, such as "Piranha" (1978), "The Howling" (1981), and "Innerspace" (1987). His work with Dante highlighted his versatility and comedic timing, making him a favorite among audiences.
Miller's personal life saw him married to Lainie Miller from 1967 until his death, with whom he had a child, Barbara Miller. Beyond acting, Miller's talents extended to writing and directing, and he also did voiceover work, such as for the trailer of "Big Bad Mama" (1974).
Dick Miller passed away on January 30, 2019, in Toluca Lake, California. His legacy in Hollywood is marked by his ability to bring life to every character he portrayed, no matter how small the role. His unique presence, often playing quirky, chatterbox characters, ensured that he stole every scene he was in. Miller remains an icon in the entertainment industry, remembered for his distinctive style and the indelible mark he left on both the big and small screens.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Hanukkah | Rabbi Walter Paisley |
| 2015 | The Adventures of Biffle and Shooster | Walter |
| 2015 | Schmo Boat (Short) | Walter |
| 2014 | Burying the Ex | Crusty Old Cop |
| 2009 | 3rd Shift: Michael's Lament | The Sculptor |
| 2009 | The Hole | Pizza Delivery Guy (uncredited) |
| 2007 | Trail of the Screaming Forehead | Eddie |
| 2006 | Trapped Ashes | Max (story segments "Wraparound") |
| 2005 | Justice League Unlimited (TV Series) | Oberon (voice) |
| 2003 | Looney Tunes: Back in Action | Security Guard |
| 2003 | Karen Sisco (TV Series) | Salvatore Gigliani |
| 2001 | Route 666 | Bartender |
| 1999 | Time of Your Life (TV Series) | Doorman |
| 1999 | Snoops (TV Series) | Jolie |
| 1999 | NYPD Blue (TV Series) | Carl Bode |
| 1999 | Clueless (TV Series) | Ralph |
| 1999 | ER (TV Series) | Mr. Ackerman |
| 1998 | Small Soldiers | Joe |
| 1998 | The Osiris Chronicles (TV Movie) | Peddler |
| 1997 | The Second Civil War (TV Movie) | Eddie O'Neill |
| 1996 | Sister, Sister (TV Series) | Mr. Eichelberger |
| 1996 | Weird Science (TV Series) | Repairman |
| 1995 | Number One Fan | Night Manager |
| 1995 | Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight | Uncle Willy |
| 1995 | Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (TV Series) | Vin |
| 1994 | Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (TV Series) | Mike Lane |
| 1994 | Batman: The Animated Series (TV Series) | Boxcars 'Boxy' Bennett (voice) |
| 1994 | Rebel Highway (TV Series) | Officer Paisley | Roy Farrell |
| 1994 | Shake, Rattle and Rock! (TV Movie) | Officer Paisley |
| 1994 | Attack of the 5 Ft. 2 Women (TV Movie) | Officer Murphy |
| 1994 | Mona Must Die | Father Stilicato |
| 1994 | Midnight Runaround (TV Movie) | O'Doul |
| 1993 | Prize Fighter (Video Game) | Billy the Bucket Boy |
| 1993 | Batman: Mask of the Phantasm | Chuckie Sol (voice) |
| 1993 | Fallen Angels (TV Series) | Morris 'Mo' Hornbeck | Carl |
| 1993 | Matinee | Herb Denning |
| 1992 | FBI: The Untold Stories (TV Series) | Eddie |
| 1992 | Unlawful Entry | Impound Clerk |
| 1992 | Quake (Video) | Storekeeper |
| 1992 | Body Waves | Mr. Matthews |
| 1992 | Amityville 1992: It's About Time (Video) | Mr. Andersen |
| 1992 | Evil Toons | Burt |
| 1991 | The Woman Who Sinned (TV Movie) | Thomas |
| 1991 | Eerie, Indiana (TV Series) | Al |
| 1991 | Roc (TV Series) | Mr. Mate |
| 1991 | Motorama | Horseshoe Player |
| 1990–1991 | The Flash (TV Series) | Fosnight |
| 1990 | Mob Boss (Video) | Mike |
| 1990 | Gremlins 2: The New Batch | Murray Futterman |
| 1990 | Who's the Boss? (TV Series) | Motel Manager |
| 1989 | Ghost Writer | Club Manager |
| 1989 | Far from Home | Sheriff Bill Childers |
| 1989 | Freddy's Nightmares (TV Series) | Al Kramer |
| 1989 | The 'Burbs | Garbageman |
| 1988 | Angel III: The Final Chapter | Nick Pellegrini |
| 1988 | Under the Boardwalk | Official |
| 1988 | Star Trek: The Next Generation (TV Series) | Vendor |
| 1987 | Moonlighting (TV Series) | Pickup Guy |
| 1987 | Amazon Women on the Moon | Danny Clayton (segment "The French Ventiloquist's Dummy" [TV cut & DVD only]) (uncredited) |
| 1987 | Innerspace | Cab Driver |
| 1984–1987 | Fame (TV Series) | Lou Mackie | Lou Mackey |
| 1987 | Project X | Max King |
| 1986 | Amazing Stories (TV Series) | Fred |
| 1986 | Armed Response | Steve |
| 1986 | Night of the Creeps | Walt |
| 1986 | Chopping Mall | Walter Paisley |
| 1985 | After Hours | Waiter |
| 1985 | Explorers | Charlie Drake |
| 1985 | Tales from the Darkside (TV Series) | Seymour Furman |
| 1984 | Rod Stewart: Infatuation (Music Video) | Gangster |
| 1984 | The Terminator | Pawn Shop Clerk |
| 1984 | W*A*L*T*E*R (TV Movie) | Theater Owner |
| 1984 | Gremlins | Mr. Futterman |
| 1984 | V: The Final Battle (TV Mini Series) | Dan Pascal |
| 1984 | Swing Shift | Wallflower at the Swing Shift Jamboree (uncredited) |
| 1983 | Lies | Producer |
| 1983 | All the Right Moves | Teacher in Auditorium |
| 1983 | Get Crazy | Susie's Dad |
| 1983 | Space Raiders | Crazy Mel |
| 1983 | Twilight Zone: The Movie | Walter Paisley (segment "It's a Good Life") |
| 1983 | Heart Like a Wheel | Mickey White |
| 1983 | The Renegades (TV Series) | Sgt. Young |
| 1983 | Knots Landing (TV Series) | Al Spanky |
| 1982 | The Aftermath | Broadcaster (voice) |
| 1979–1982 | Taxi (TV Series) | Fergie | Ernie the Waiter |
| 1982 | Vortex | Bit Part |
| 1982 | Police Squad! (TV Series) | Vic |
| 1982 | White Dog | Animal Trainer |
| 1982 | Movie Madness | Dr. Hans Kleiner ("Success Wanters") |
| 1980–1982 | General Hospital (TV Series) | Stiffen desk clerk | Dr. Henry |
| 1982 | Open All Night (TV Series) | Ted |
| 1981 | Heartbeeps | Factory Watchman |
| 1981 | Smokey Bites the Dust | Glen Wilson |
| 1981 | The Howling | Walter Paisley |
| 1980 | Dr. Heckyl and Mr. Hype | Irsil | Orson |
| 1980 | Used Cars | Man In Bed |
| 1980 | The Happy Hooker Goes Hollywood | New York Cop |
| 1979 | Barnaby Jones (TV Series) | Deputy Crawford |
| 1941 | Unknown | Unknown |
| 1979 | Officer Miller (as Richard Miller) | Unknown |
| 1979 | 11th Victim (TV Movie) | Investigator Ned |
| 1979 | Alice (TV Series) | Customer #3 |
| 1979 | The Lady in Red | Patek |
| 1979 | Rock 'n' Roll High School | Police Chief |
| 1979 | Soap (TV Series) | The Guard |
| 1978 | Piranha | Buck Gardner |
| 1978 | Corvette Summer | Mr. Lucky |
| 1978 | I Wanna Hold Your Hand | Sgt. Bresner |
| 1978 | Starhops | Herb |
| 1977 | Game Show Models | Game Show Host |
| 1977 | New York, New York | Palm Club Owner |
| 1977 | Hunter (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1977 | Mr. Billion | Bernie |
| 1976 | Vigilante Force | Pianist (uncredited) |
| 1976 | Cannonball! | Bennie Buckman |
| 1976 | Moving Violation | Mack |
| 1976 | Hollywood Boulevard | Walter Paisley |
| 1975 | Speeding? (Short) | Salesman |
| 1975 | Darktown Strutters | Officer Hugo |
| 1975 | White Line Fever | Birdie Corman |
| 1975 | Crazy Mama | Wilbur Janeway |
| 1975 | Summer School Teachers | Sam |
| 1975 | Death Race 2000 | Chicken Gang (uncredited) |
| 1975 | Capone | Joe Pryor |
| 1975 | Police Story (TV Series) | Detective |
| 1974 | Police Woman (TV Series) | Matt |
| 1974 | Candy Stripe Nurses | Spectator |
| 1974 | Big Bad Mama | Bonney |
| 1974 | Truck Turner | Fogarty |
| 1973 | Executive Action | Rifleman - Team B |
| 1973 | The Slams | Cab Driver |
| 1973 | The Young Nurses | Cop |
| 1973 | The Student Teachers | Coach Harris |
| 1973 | Fly Me | Taxi Driver (as Richard Miller) |
| 1972 | Night Call Nurses | Mr. Jensen |
| 1972 | McCloud (TV Series) | Green Hat |
| 1971 | The Grissom Gang | Reporter |
| 1970 | The Andersonville Trial (TV Movie) | Sketch Artist (as Richard Miller) |
| 1968 | The Legend of Lylah Clare | Reporter at Press Party (uncredited) |
| 1968 | The Wild Racers | Pit Crew Mechanic |
| 1967–1968 | Mannix (TV Series) | Photographer | Fashion Photographer |
| 1967 | The Trip | Cash |
| 1967 | A Time for Killing | Zollicoffer |
| 1967 | The St. Valentine's Day Massacre | Gangster Dressed as a Cop (uncredited) |
| 1967 | The Dirty Dozen | MP at Hanging (uncredited) |
| 1967 | Dragnet 1967 (TV Series) | Harry Johnson |
| 1966 | Combat! (TV Series) | Young Soldier (as Richard Miller) |
| 1966 | The Wild Angels | Rigger |
| 1966 | Branded (TV Series) | Wrangler (as Richard Miller) |
| 1966 | Wild Wild Winter | Rilk |
| 1965 | Beach Ball | Cop #1 |
| 1965 | Ski Party | Taxi Driver (uncredited) |
| 1965 | The Girls on the Beach | First Waiter (uncredited) |
| 1964 | The Virginian (TV Series) | Jon Blake |
| 1964 | Wagon Train (TV Series) | Michel |
| 1963 | Gunsmoke (TV Series) | Townsman (uncredited) |
| 1963 | X: The Man with the X-Ray Eyes | Heckler (uncredited) |
| 1963 | The Terror | Stefan (as Richard Miller) |
| 1963 | Bonanza (TV Series) | Sam |
| 1963 | Our Man Higgins (TV Series) | Brandy (as Richard Miller) |
| 1962 | The Premature Burial | Mole (as Richard Miller) |
| 1961 | Cabana 54 (TV Movie) | Unknown |
| 1961 | The Lawless Years (TV Series) | Happy Mione |
| 1961 | Capture That Capsule | Ed Nowak (as Richard Miller) |
| 1961 | Atlas | Greek soldier (uncredited) |
| 1961 | The Roaring 20's (TV Series) | Bert |
| 1960 | The Little Shop of Horrors | Fouch |
| 1959 | The Fat Man: The Thirty-Two Friends of Gina Lardelli (TV Movie) | Thug (uncredited) |
| 1959 | The Untouchables (TV Series) | Benny Bristow |
| 1959 | A Bucket of Blood | Walter Paisley |
| 1957–1958 | The Gale Storm Show: Oh! Susanna (TV Series) | Sparks |
| 1958 | Dragnet (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1958 | War of the Satellites | Dave Boyer |
| 1958 | M Squad (TV Series) | Pete Castro |
| 1958 | Whirlybirds (TV Series) | Pete Powell |
| 1957 | Sorority Girl | Mort |
| 1957 | Carnival Rock | Benny |
| 1957 | Rock All Night | Shorty |
| 1957 | The Undead | The Leper (as Richard Miller) |
| 1957 | Not of This Earth | Joe Piper (as Richard Miller) |
| 1957 | Naked Paradise | Mitch |
| 1956 | It Conquered the World | Sgt. Neil |
| 1956 | The Oklahoma Woman | Bartender (as Richard Miller) |
| 1956 | Gunslinger | Jimmy Tonto (as Richard Miller) |
| 1955 | Apache Woman | Tall Tree |
| 1955 | Danger Flight 931 | Membre d'équipage (as Richard Miller) |
General:
Posted Using InLeo Alpha
