Charles Cyphers, the American actor who was celebrated for portraying Sheriff Leigh Brackett in the “Halloween” film series, died at 85. His management team confirmed that he passed away after a brief illness on Sunday, August 4, 2024, in Tucson, Arizona.
Born on July 28, 1939, in Niagara Falls, New York, Cyphers began acting after graduating from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and California State University, Los Angeles. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in theater arts, setting the stage for a career spanning more than four decades across film, television, and theater.
Cyphers made his feature film debut in the 1974 action thriller “Truck Turner.” However, his career-defining moment came with his collaboration with director John Carpenter. Their first project together was the 1976 action film “Assault on Precinct 13,” in which Cyphers played Officer Starker. This partnership continued, with Carpenter casting him in several other films, including “The Fog” (1980) and “Escape from New York” (1981).
His most iconic role was Sheriff Leigh Brackett in Carpenter’s 1978 horror classic “Halloween,” where he portrayed the no-nonsense sheriff of Haddonfield, Illinois, who confronts the terror brought by Michael Myers. He reprised this role in the 1981 sequel “Halloween II” and returned for the 2021 film “Halloween Kills.” Reflecting on his return, Cyphers humorously remarked at a 2022 convention, “To be called back again in a film is unheard of after 40 years. Most people are dead.”
Beyond his contributions to the horror genre, Cyphers demonstrated his versatility across various roles in films like “Coming Home” (1978), “The Onion Field” (1979), “Honkytonk Man” (1982), and “Major League” (1989). His adaptability made him a sought-after actor in Hollywood, allowing him to effortlessly traverse different genres and characters.
Cyphers also enjoyed a prolific television career, making appearances on popular shows such as “The Bionic Woman,” “Charlie’s Angels,” “Wonder Woman,” “Starsky and Hutch,” “Dallas,” “Night Court,” “Seinfeld,” and “ER.” He held a recurring role as Hugo Muncy on “The Betty White Show” and played Al Yaroker in the WB sitcom “Nick Freno: Licensed Teacher” from 1996 to 1998. He also appeared as Drake in the renowned 1977 miniseries “Roots.”
In addition to his screen work, Cyphers was a dedicated theater actor, participating in numerous productions throughout his career. He was a member of the Company of Angels for 25 years and was recognized with awards such as the Los Angeles Drama Critics Award for Best Performance by an Actor for his role in “The Caretaker.”
Chris Roe, who managed him, remembered him as a warm and caring individual known for having captivating stories and delivering them with full dramatic flair. Nancy Kyes, who worked alongside Cyphers in “Halloween,” “The Fog,” and “Assault on Precinct 13,” shared similar feelings, noting that he was a longtime friend who could always be counted on for kind words, humor, and engaging tales, emphasizing how much he will be missed.
John Carpenter, who worked with Cyphers on many projects, honored him on social media by noting that Cyphers was a key collaborator on his early films. Carpenter remembered him as a kind man and a friend.
Charles Cyphers leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances and personal connections that have resonated with audiences and colleagues alike. His portrayal of Sheriff Leigh Brackett in the “Halloween” series remains a cornerstone of horror cinema, ensuring that his contributions to the genre will be celebrated for years.