Return of the Living Dead Star James Karen Dead At 94

According to The Hollywood Reporter, James Karen, star of such horror classics as Return of the Living Dead and Poltergeist, has passed away at the age of 94. His wife Alba confirmed that he died at his home in Los Angeles.

Karen has over 200 acting credits on his resume and had been actively working since 1948. In the horror genre, he’s best known for the two aforementioned films. In Return, he’s the man responsible for cracking open the Trioxin canister and unleashing the zombies, while he’s the one who “only moved the headstones” in Poltergeist. His other work in the genre includes Return of the Living Dead Part II, Invaders From Mars and The Unborn. Outside of horror, he’s also appeared in All the President’s Men, Apt Pupil, The China Syndrome and The Pursuit of Happyness. On television, you might recognize him from Little House on the Prairie and Eight is Enough.

411 would like to give our condolences to the family, friends and fans of Mr. Karen.