Charles Cyphers, the beloved actor best known for his role as Sheriff Leigh Brackett in the 1978 horror classic Halloween, has passed away at the age of 85. His longtime manager, Chris Roe, confirmed the news, sharing that Cyphers died on Sunday in Tucson, Arizona after a brief illness. “Charles was a kind and loving man,” Roe said in a statement to Variety. “His stories brought joy to everyone who heard them—it was just his way. He will be deeply missed, both as a longtime client and as a dear friend.”

Cyphers’ name will forever be linked to the Halloween franchise, where he portrayed the steady, empathetic Sheriff Brackett—a father grappling with the horrors that invaded his small town. He reprised the role in Halloween II (1981) and returned decades later in Halloween Kills (2021), a comeback that touched longtime fans. Reflecting on the experience at HorrorCon UK in 2022, Cyphers expressed gratitude and disbelief: “After forty years, I never thought I’d be asked to return. Most of the cast was gone by then. I’m thankful I lived long enough to do it. To be paid to do it again—it was amazing.”

Nancy Kyes, who played Annie Brackett, Cyphers’ on-screen daughter in Halloween and Halloween II, paid tribute to her friend and co-star. “I was heartbroken to hear about Chuck’s passing,” she said. “He was always ready with a laugh, a kind word, or a great story. He was a dear friend, and he will be deeply missed.”

Born on July 28, 1939, in Niagara Falls, New York, Cyphers was drawn to performing from a young age. He studied drama at Los Angeles City College before graduating from both the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and California State University, Los Angeles, earning a degree in theater arts. His love for storytelling and the stage shaped a career spanning more than fifty years.

Cyphers became particularly known for his work with filmmaker John Carpenter, appearing in several of Carpenter’s early cult classics. His first major collaboration was in Assault on Precinct 13 (1976), where he played the hardened police officer Starker. Two years later, Halloween cemented his place in horror history. He would work with Carpenter again in The Fog (1980) alongside Jamie Lee Curtis, and in Escape from New York (1981), reuniting with both Curtis and Nancy Kyes. These films became landmarks of the horror and sci-fi genres, and Cyphers’ understated performances added depth and humanity to every story.

While Halloween defined much of his legacy, Cyphers’ career extended far beyond the big screen. He appeared in numerous television shows across genres, from comedies like The Betty White Show to dramas such as JAG, The Dukes of Hazzard, Nick Freno: Licensed Teacher, and even Seinfeld. His adaptability made him a consistent and reliable presence in Hollywood for decades.

Those who knew Cyphers describe him as more than an actor; he was a warm storyteller with a generous heart. He earned a reputation for humor and kindness, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he met. “He brought warmth into every room,” one colleague recalled. “He treated everyone—from crew members to co-stars—with respect.” Even in later years, when he stepped away from the Hollywood spotlight, Cyphers remained active in conventions, where fans lined up to meet him. He always took the time to talk, share stories, and thank them personally for supporting his work.

Though he never married and had no children, many saw him as a father figure. His professional family of actors, directors, and devoted fans became a lasting legacy, reflecting a life filled with creativity, friendship, and connection.

Cyphers’ passing marks the end of an era in horror cinema. To many fans, he represented the bridge between the gritty charm of 1970s genre films and the enduring influence of modern horror. His portrayal of Sheriff Brackett—a man trying to protect his town from evil—captured the humanity, fear, and resilience that made Halloween timeless.

Jamie Lee Curtis, who worked with him for decades, once remarked that acting alongside Cyphers “felt like stepping back into something pure and real.” That sentiment perfectly captures how Hollywood remembers him: authentic, grounded, and entirely himself.

Outside of acting, Cyphers lived a modest, contented life, away from the spotlight. He valued simplicity, friendship, and creative expression over fame. In interviews later in life, he reflected on his career with pride and gratitude, happy to have kept doing the work he loved.

Charles Cyphers’ death leaves a profound gap in the horror community and the broader world of film and television. His career reminds us that greatness is not always about fame—it often comes from consistency, dedication, and heart. Through his performances and his presence, he touched audiences across generations.

As fans revisit Halloween, The Fog, or Assault on Precinct 13, his familiar face remains a symbol of storytelling done right: genuine, human, and unforgettable. Charles Cyphers may be gone, but his legacy endures—alive in the films he helped define, the colleagues who admired him, and the fans who will never forget him.