Every Actor From the ‘Predator’ Franchise Who Has Passed Away

The ‘Predator’ franchise has long been celebrated for its intense action and memorable ensemble casts. From the original 1987 masterpiece to the urban chaos of the 1990 sequel and the modern expansions of the series the films have employed a wide array of talented performers. While many of the iconic stars are still active in Hollywood several key contributors have passed away over the years. This article pays tribute to the actors from the franchise who are no longer with us and explores their significant contributions to the series.

Kevin Peter Hall

He was the towering performer who brought the titular creature to life in both ‘Predator’ and ‘Predator 2’. Standing over seven feet tall the actor provided the physical presence and coordinated movements that made the alien hunter a cinematic legend. He passed away on April 10, 1991, at the age of 35 in Hollywood, California. His death was caused by AIDS related pneumonia which he had contracted through a contaminated blood transfusion during surgery. His portrayal of the character remains the gold standard for monster performances in science fiction history.

Morton Downey, Jr.

The famous talk show host took on the role of Tony Pope in the 1990 sequel ‘Predator 2’. He played a tabloid journalist who aggressively pursued the story of the mysterious killings occurring during the Los Angeles heatwave. The entertainer died on March 12, 2001, at a hospital in Los Angeles after a long battle with illness. He was 67 years old and the cause of his death was reported as lung cancer and pneumonia. His performance captured the era of sensationalist media that the film aimed to satirize.

Calvin Lockhart

He played the character King Willie who was the leader of the Jamaican voodoo gang in ‘Predator 2’. The actor was known for his commanding presence and the distinct charisma he brought to the short but impactful role. He passed away on March 29, 2007, in Nassau, Bahamas, at the age of 72. The cause of his death was complications arising from a stroke. Fans of the franchise remember his character for the atmospheric confrontation he had with the creature in the city streets.

Lilyan Chauvin

She appeared in ‘Predator 2’ as Dr. Irene Edwards who served as the chief medical examiner in Los Angeles. The veteran actress had an extensive career in television and film before her role in the sci fi franchise. She died on June 26, 2008, at her home in Studio City, California, at the age of 82. Her death was attributed to complications from breast cancer and congestive heart failure. Her professional portrayal of the medical examiner helped ground the supernatural elements of the movie in a realistic procedural setting.

R.G. Armstrong

He played Major General Homer Phillips in the original ‘Predator’ film released in 1987. The veteran character actor was responsible for delivering the orders that sent the special forces team into the jungle. He passed away on July 27, 2012, at the age of 95 while at his home in Studio City. His death was determined to be from natural causes while he slept peacefully. His performance provided the necessary authority to kickstart the events of the classic action movie.

Sylvia Kauders

She played the role of Ruth Albright in ‘Predator 2’ as an elderly resident who has a close encounter with the alien hunter. The character actress was a well known figure in New York theater and appeared in numerous films throughout her later years. She died on May 5, 2016, at Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia at the age of 94. Her passing followed a long and successful career that included roles in high profile series such as ‘The Sopranos’. Her brief appearance in the sequel added a layer of urban tension and civilian perspective to the hunt.

Bill Paxton

He portrayed Detective Jerry Lambert in ‘Predator 2’ and was the newest member of the metro command team. The actor holds a unique place in film history for being killed by a Predator an Alien and a Terminator in different movies. He died on February 25, 2017, at the age of 61 in Los Angeles, California. His death resulted from a stroke that occurred shortly after he underwent heart surgery. He was a beloved figure in the industry known for his versatility and the energy he brought to every performance.

Steve Kahan

He played Sergeant Neil Reeger in the 1990 urban sequel ‘Predator 2’ alongside Danny Glover. The character actor was widely recognized for his recurring role as Captain Murphy in the popular ‘Lethal Weapon’ franchise. He passed away on August 4, 2019, in Sherman Oaks, California, at the age of 79. Although he had retired from the industry years earlier his work as a reliable supporting performer was well documented. His presence in the movie helped flesh out the ensemble of police officers struggling to manage a city under siege.

Franco Columbu

The legendary bodybuilder and actor had a cameo role as a medic in the original 1987 film ‘Predator’. He was a lifelong friend and training partner of Arnold Schwarzenegger and appeared in several of the star’s most famous movies. He passed away on August 30, 2019, in his native Sardinia, Italy, at the age of 78. His death occurred after he suffered a heart attack while swimming in the Mediterranean Sea. He was widely respected for his incredible physical achievements and his long career in both the sports and entertainment worlds.

Louis Eppolito

He appeared as a patrolman in ‘Predator 2’ during the early scenes of the Los Angeles gang war. The actor had a fascinating and controversial life as a former detective who was later convicted for crimes related to organized crime. He died on November 3, 2019, while serving his sentence in a federal prison hospital at the age of 71. His death was attributed to natural causes after several years of declining health. His role in the film contributed to the gritty and authentic feel of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Carl Weathers

He delivered one of the most famous performances in the franchise as Al Dillon in the original 1987 ‘Predator’. The actor transitioned from professional football to a highly successful acting career that included the ‘Rocky’ films and ‘The Mandalorian’. He passed away on February 1, 2024, at his home in Los Angeles at the age of 76. His death was caused by atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease which was reported as natural causes. He will forever be remembered for his incredible charisma and his role in the legendary hand clasp with Arnold Schwarzenegger.

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