The Return Of The Living Dead star Clu Gulager dies at 93 from ‘natural causes’

Clu Gulager, a prominent actor in television and film since the late 1950s, has passed away at the age of 93. 

The talented star had roles in a total of 165 IMDB projects during the course of his career, with his last role starring in Quentin Tarantino’s 2019 film, Once Upon A Time In Hollywood. 

The actor’s daughter-in-law, Diane Goldner, released a statement on her Facebook page, revealing that during his last moments, he was, ‘surrounded by his loving family.’  

Clu was born as William Martin Gulager in 1928 in Oklahoma. He was Cherokee and was given the nickname of Clu, which was named after the birds near his home. 

After serving in the United States Marine Corps until 1948, he eventually won a scholarship to study in Paris. In the city, he was taken under the wing of French actor, Jean Louis Barrault. 

Following his year abroad, he began his start in the industry in the late 1950s, starring in the TV series such as, The Untouchables (1959) and a few episodes of Alfred Hitchcock Presents. 

Beginning in 1960, he played the character of Billy the Kid on the NBC western series, The Tall Man, launching him into stardom. 

Along with The Tall Man, Clu was known for starring in a number of other Western shows, such as Wagon Train and The Virginian. 

He also starred in major films, such as The Killers (1964), working alongside Ronald Reagan and Angie Dickinson. 

In 1969, Clu went behind the camera and directed his own short film called, A Day With The Boys, which was nominated for the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival that same year. 

The Oklahoma-born star dipped his toes into other genres to showcase his talent during his career, and dived into the realm of horror. 

In 1985, he starred in The Return Of The Living Dead as Burt and Nightmare On Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge as Mr. Walsh. 

His daughter-in-law, Diane, had a few words to say about the talented actor following the news of his passing. 

In the statement, she wrote, ‘Clu Gulager, revered television and film actor, known for The Tall Man and The Virginian, died of natural causes at the home of his son John and beloved daughter-in-law Diane, surrounded by his loving family.’ 

‘Clu was as caring as he was loyal and devoted to his craft, a proud member of the Cherokee nation, a rule-breaker, sharp and astute and on the side—always—of the oppressed.’ 

She also discussed his success in the industry and dedication to his work over the years. 

‘As a writer and director, he made the influential short film A Day with the Boys, which opened the 1970 Cannes Film Festival as an example of the state of the art of filmmaking.’

In 1952, Clu married actress, Miriam Byrd-Nethery, and had two sons, Tom and John. They stayed married until she passed away in 2003. 

‘He was shocked that he lived, for even a day after Miriam Byrd-Nethery, the love of his life, died 18 years ago,’ Diane wrote. 

In his later years, Clu kept hard at work, and starred in episodes of popular television series such as Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman and Walker, Texas Ranger. 

His last project was working under the direction of Quentin Tarantino in the 2019 film, Once Upon A Time In Hollywood. He played the role of a book store man in the movie. 

According to Variety, Clu often attended movie screenings at Quentin’s New Beverly Cinema. 

‘He is survived by his sons John and Tom, their partners Diane and Zoe, his cherished grandson Clu Mosha, dedicated fans, and decades of extraordinary students,’ the family statement read. ‘His family will miss him terribly.’