Richard Lynch, 'Halloween' Villain, Dies of Unknown Causes

Prolific film and TV bad guy actor Richard Lynch has died of unknown causes at the age of 76. According to Reuters, his body was discovered in the actor's kitchen by a friend who had gone to check on him. The friend has been identified by the Associated Press as actress Carol Vogel. Apparently, Lynch had not been seen in several days. He resided in Palm Springs, California and his date of death is being reported as June 19.

In 1967, the actor suffered an accident, supposedly part of an LSD trip, that resulted in his face being scared after he had set himself on fire. Ultimately, the scar gave him a menacing look that assisted Lynch in his portrayal of numerous villains.

Of note, Lynch appeared in the 2007 Halloween theatrical film and in The Sword and the Sorcerer. To TV fans, he has been quite visible for decades, his unique look perfect for the parts he played. Just some of the episodic television shows he appeared in are Charmed, T.J. Hooker, Battlestar Galactica, Baretta, The Fall Guy, Starsky and Hutch, Matt Houston, Vegas, Scarecrow and Mrs. King, Airwolf, Super Force, Jake and the Fatman, Six Feet Under, and Baywatch.

Lynch's last role is in the film, The Lords of Salem, slated to be released later this year. He plays Reverend John Hawthorne opposite Dee Wallace, Clint Howard, Billy Drago, Meg Foster, and Bruce Davison.

Lynch was one of seven children. Actor Barry Lynch is one of his siblings. He had a son, Christopher, who died in 2005. Twice married, he is survived by his wife, Lily.