R.I.P. Night of the Living Dead’s Charles Craig

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Charles Craig wasn't a lead actor in George A. Romero's 1968 classic NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, he wasn't one of the people trapped in the farmhouse, but he did play an important role in the film. When the trapped characters gathered around the TV to watch the news and try to get an idea of what's going on in the world beyond the walls of that farmhouse, Charles Craig was the newscaster who provided them with some much needed information.

Craig didn't have a lot of screen time, but that newscast is unforgettable. The man had an incredible voice for delivering news reports, and he brought some terrifying news to the NIGHT characters. For example: 

It has been established that persons who have recently died have been returning to life and committing acts of murder. A widespread investigation of reports from funeral homes, morgues, and hospitals has concluded that the unburied dead are coming back to life and seeking human victims. It's hard for us here to believe what we're reporting to you, but it does seem to be a fact."

Craig was actually a radio broadcaster for several different stations throughout the Ohio and Pennsylvania area, and he ended up in NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD due to his association with the Radio Production Company of Hardman and Associates, a company run by Karl Hardman, who was a producer on the film and also played Harry Cooper in it.

The newscaster wasn't Craig's only appearance in the film, as he also made his way around the farmhouse location as a zombie.

Beyond his radio work and his role(s) in NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, Craig served in the Army from 1952 – '54, worked as a veterans' service officer, became President of the Veterans Service Commission in his county, and was a scout leader. He also lended his services to the Salvation Army, Kiwanis Club, the Emergency Management Agency and Cemetery Board in his county, and was President of Pee Wee Hollow Scout Camp.

Craig and wife Judithe also performed as a musical duo called Valley Voices.

Born on May 27, 1932, Craig sadly passed away last Sunday. He is survived by his wife Judith, his sister-in-law, a niece and nephew, a great-niece, and multiple great-nephews.

NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD is one of my favorite movies and my most-watched movie, so I have seen and heard Craig's performance in that film many times and have always appreciated his work in it. I'm not familiar with much he did outside of NIGHT, but I have met him, as he enjoyed making convention appearances and interacting with fans in recent years. He was a great guy, and will be missed. I'll still be seeing and hearing him through many more viewings of NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD.

Our condolences go out to Charles Craig's family, friends, and fans.

R.I.P.