Charles Cyphers, the acclaimed American actor recognized for his role as Sheriff Leigh Brackett in the “Halloween” film series, has died at the age of 85. According to his management team, Cyphers passed away on Sunday, August 4, 2024, in Tucson, Arizona, following a brief illness.
Cyphers was born on July 28, 1939, in Niagara Falls, New York. He started his acting career after receiving his education from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and California State University, Los Angeles, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in theater arts. This laid the foundation for a career that spanned more than 40 years and encompassed film, television, and theater.
He made his debut in feature films with the 1974 action thriller “Truck Turner.” However, his career took a significant turn when he began his association with director John Carpenter. The duo’s first project was the 1976 action movie “Assault on Precinct 13,” wherein Cyphers played Officer Starker. Carpenter continued to cast Cyphers in several films, including “The Fog” (1980) and “Escape from New York” (1981).
Cyphers is best known for his role as Sheriff Leigh Brackett in Carpenter’s 1978 horror masterpiece “Halloween,” where he played the pragmatic sheriff of Haddonfield, Illinois, facing the horror unleashed by Michael Myers. He reprised this role in the 1981 sequel “Halloween II” and returned for the 2021 film “Halloween Kills.” At a 2022 convention, Cyphers quipped, “To be called back again in a film is unheard of after 40 years. Most people are dead.”
Aside from his contributions to horror films, Cyphers showcased his adaptability in a range of roles in films such as “Coming Home” (1978), “The Onion Field” (1979), “Honkytonk Man” (1982), and “Major League” (1989). His ability to effortlessly transition between different genres and characters made him a highly sought-after actor in Hollywood.
In addition to his film work, Cyphers had an extensive television career, appearing on popular shows like “The Bionic Woman,” “Charlie’s Angels,” “Wonder Woman,” “Starsky and Hutch,” “Dallas,” “Night Court,” “Seinfeld,” and “ER.” He also had recurring roles as Hugo Muncy on “The Betty White Show” and Al Yaroker on the WB sitcom “Nick Freno: Licensed Teacher” from 1996 to 1998. He further appeared as Drake in the acclaimed 1977 miniseries “Roots.”
Beyond his on-screen roles, Cyphers was also 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 accolades such as the Los Angeles Drama Critics Award for Best Performance by an Actor for his role in “The Caretaker.”
His manager, Chris Roe, described Cyphers as a warm and caring person, known for his spellbinding stories and dramatic delivery. Nancy Kyes, who worked with Cyphers in “Halloween,” “The Fog,” and “Assault on Precinct 13,” remembered him as a long-time friend who was always ready with kind words, humor, and fascinating stories, underlining the void his passing will leave.
John Carpenter, who had collaborated with Cyphers on numerous projects, paid tribute to him on social media, remembering him as a kind man, a friend, and a crucial collaborator on his early films.
The legacy of Charles Cyphers lives on through his unforgettable performances and personal relationships that touched both audiences and peers. His role as Sheriff Leigh Brackett in the “Halloween” series remains a significant part of horror cinema, ensuring his contributions to the genre will be remembered for years to come.
