Rick Ducommun, a Canadian stand-up comedian who starred in Scary Movie and Tom Hanks’ The ‘Burbs, has died. He was only 62 years old.
Joe Dante, who directed Gremlins and The ‘Burbs, broke the news on Twitter, simply writing “RIP Rick Ducommun.” He also added that Ducommun competed for the role of Hanks’ neighbor in The ‘Burbs against Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas. Ducommun won and “knocked it out of the park,” as Dante noted.
“Lots of the funniest stuff he says was totally ad libbed. A very funny guy who favored me with a cameo in GREMLINS 2. Too young to go!” Dante added.
UPDATE: The actor's wife, Leslie, told The Hollywood Reporter that he died due to a "serious complication from diabetes."
MoviePilot notes that Ducommun became well-known during the ‘80s thanks to the children’s series Zig Zag, as well as appearances in other movies. He also starred in Slickers, Amazing Stories, Rock ‘N’ America and The Last Precinct. He can also be seen in Ghost in the Machine and Groundhog Day.
In Scary Movie, he starred as Cindy’s dad. Later film appearances include Harvard Man, Like Mike, Back By Midnight and Funky Monkey.
screenshot from MovieClips YouTube video