thedailywhat:

RIP: Bill Hinzman, best remembered as the first zombie to appear on camera in George Romero’s horror classic Night of the Living Dead, passed away today of cancer. He was 75.

Nicknamed “Zombie #1” by fans, Hinzman’s role as the Godfather of all Zombies’ first on-screen ghoul established a working relationship with the filmmaker which lasted for several years, garnering Hinzman parts in several other Romero films such as There’s Always Vanilla, Season of the Witch, and The Crazies.

In the 80’s, Hinzman took a seat behind the camera, helming two of his own horror films — The Majroettes and Flesheater. His final movie, the Kurt Angle and Kevin Nash-starring indie horror flick River of Darkness, was released last year.

Below: Hinzman’s Cemetery Zombie scene from Night of the Living Dead —

[dread / photo: wikimedia.]

the times i’ve met this man, he was nothing but gracious. i’m a big fan of people who are proud of their work.