Bill Hinzman

Bill Hinzman
Hinzman as the cemetery zombie from Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Born
Samuel William Hinzman

(1936-10-24)October 24, 1936
DiedFebruary 5, 2012(2012-02-05) (aged 75)
OccupationsActor, director, cinematographer, producer, editor and writer
Years active1967 - 2011

Samuel William Hinzman (October 24, 1936 – February 5, 2012), often credited as Bill Hinzman or Heinzman, was an American actor and film director.

Career

Hinzman's first acting role was the cemetery zombie in the popular horror film Night of the Living Dead (1968). He reprised the role in new scenes that were filmed for the 30th-anniversary edition of the film.[1] During filming of Night of the Living Dead, crew member Gary Streiner accidentally caught himself on fire while attempting to ignite a prop with gasoline. Hinzman managed to put out the fire, saving Streiner's life.[2][3]

Hinzman also played roles in the films Legion of the Night (1995), Santa Claws (1996), Evil Ambitions (1996), and The Drunken Dead Guy (2005). His final role was in River of Darkness (2011), where he played a lead role alongside Kurt Angle, Kevin Nash and Sid Eudy.[4]

In addition to acting, Hinzman directed the films The Majorettes (1986), and Flesheater (1988).[5]

Death

Hinzman died on February 5, 2012, from cancer. His death occurred the same day as that of Josephine Streiner (1918–2012), a crew member who played a zombie in Night of the Living Dead.[6]

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes
1968Night of the Living DeadZombie #1
1971There's Always VanillaDrunk Guy in Bar
1972Season of the WitchThe Intruder
1973The CraziesCrazie shooting at doctor's officeAlso cinematographer
1974O. J. Simpson: Juice on the LooseCinematographer
1981KnightridersMustachioed Archer in TreeUncredited
1987The MajorettesSergeant SandersAlso director
1988FlesheaterFleshEaterAlso director
1995Legion of the NightDr. Bloom
1996Santa ClawsDirector
1996Evil AmbitionsMiles Bishop
1999Night of the Living Dead: 30th Anniversary EditionZombie #1New scenes; Also cinematographer, editor, and co-executive producer
2005The Drunken Dead GuyThe Experienced Zombie
2006Shadow: Dead RiotRomero the Zombie
2009The SpookshowBartender
2009It Came from TrafalgarZombie #1
2011River of DarknessHarvey Hix
2011Mimesis: Night of the Living DeadZombie

References

  1. ↑ Various (September 16, 2017). "Night of the Living Dead 30th Anniversary Edition". homepageofthedead.com. Archived from the original on September 15, 2015. Retrieved September 16, 2017.
  2. ↑ Jackson, Matthew (October 13, 2017). "10 Facts About Night of the Living Dead". Mental Floss. Retrieved June 23, 2018.
  3. ↑ Kane, Joe (2010). Night Of The Living Dead: Behind the Scenes of the Most Terrifying Zombie Movie Ever. Kensington Books. ISBN 9780806534312.page 70
  4. ↑ "Early Art and Trailer: Kurt Angle's River of Darkness". DreadCentral. September 15, 2012.
  5. ↑ J.C. Maçek III (June 15, 2012). "The Zombification Family Tree: Legacy of the Living Dead". PopMatters.
  6. ↑ "Rest in Peace: Bill Hinzman". DreadCentral. February 6, 2012.