The death of character actor Dick Miller at the age of 90 has been announced, one of the most prolific performers in American film, and often in smaller roles. He made an indelible impression with a face that could look shifty or friendly, inquisitive or sceptical, but always a performance you could depend upon to bring something a little special to even the most apparently throwaway appearances.
He was given his break by Roger Corman, showing up in the director's exploitation flicks and adding to their cheap and resourceful, personality-packed tone: The Little Shop of Horrors, Rock All Night and A Bucket of Blood (a rare lead) were among many. Thus established, the New Hollywood directors who recognised him from their childhoods started using him, from Steven Spielberg to James Cameron, but especially Joe Dante, who employed Miller in every one of his films, to the point of becoming a mascot in works like Hollywood Boulevard, The Howling, Gremlins and Matinee. With nearly two hundred credits to his name, audiences will see Miller's face for centuries to come and say, "Hey - it's that guy!"
