Actor Ben Chapman dies at 79

Starred in 'Creature from the Black Lagoon'

By ASSOCIATED PRESS

Ben Chapman, the actor who played the title character in "Creature from the Black Lagoon," died Feb. 21 of congestive heart failure in Honolulu. He was 79.

While the Gill Man didn't have any lines in the 1954 cult film, his role as the scaly monster earned him a spot in Hollywood history.

Chapman had a few smaller roles in such movies as "Ma and Pa Kettle in Waikiki" and "Wake of the Red Witch," and spent most of his career in real estate.

In a 2003 interview, Chapman even downplayed his involvement in the signature horror film, saying his size rather than his acting skills earned him the part.

"They were looking for an imposing creature, and at 6-feet-5, I filled the bill," said Chapman, who often participated in fan conventions.

He is survived by his longtime companion, Merrilee Kazarian, three children and a sister.

Read the full article at:
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117981430.html

Like this article? Variety.com has over 150,000 articles, 40,000 reviews and 10,000 pages of charts. Subscribe today!
http://www.variety.com/emailfriend
or call (866) MY-VARIETY.
Can't commit? Sign up for a free trial!
http://www.variety.com/emailfriend