Dick Miller
Actor
About Dick Miller
Dick Miller was born Richard Miller on December 25, 1928, in Brooklyn, New York, and would become one of Hollywood's most recognizable character actors with a career spanning over five decades. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he studied theater arts at City College of New York before moving to Los Angeles in the mid-1950s to pursue film work. Miller quickly caught the attention of director Roger Corman, who cast him in his first film role in 1957, beginning a long and fruitful collaboration that would define Miller's early career. His breakthrough came with the lead role as Walter Paisley in the cult classic 'A Bucket of Blood' (1959), followed by memorable appearances in 'The Little Shop of Horrors' (1960) and 'The Terror' (1963). Miller's distinctive everyman appearance and naturalistic acting style made him a staple of low-budget horror, science fiction, and comedy films throughout the 1960s and beyond. He became particularly associated with the New World Pictures production company and later worked frequently with director Joe Dante, appearing in nearly all of Dante's films. Miller appeared in over 170 film and television productions, often playing memorable supporting characters that audiences instantly recognized, before retiring from acting in the early 2010s.
The Craft
On Screen
Dick Miller was known for his naturalistic, everyman acting style that brought authenticity and relatability to his characters. He had a distinctive appearance and voice that made him instantly recognizable, yet he adapted his performances to fit various genres from horror to comedy. Miller specialized in playing working-class characters, often portraying bartenders, mechanics, shopkeepers, and other ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances. His approach was understated and grounded, never overplaying the comedy or horror elements but instead reacting to situations as a real person would. This natural quality made his characters believable even in the most fantastical settings, and his comic timing was subtle but effective.
Milestones
- Lead role as Walter Paisley in 'A Bucket of Blood' (1959)
- Regular collaborator with director Roger Corman throughout the 1960s
- Over 170 film and television appearances in his career
- Frequent collaborator with director Joe Dante from the 1970s onward
- Iconic status in cult cinema and B-movie genres
- Recognition as one of Hollywood's most recognizable character actors
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Fangoria Chainsaw Award Lifetime Achievement (2016)
- Cult Film Awards Lifetime Achievement (posthumously)
- Beloved figure at horror and cult film conventions worldwide
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Dick Miller became an iconic figure in cult cinema, representing the quintessential character actor who elevated every film he appeared in through sheer presence and professionalism. His face became so recognizable that casting him in a film became an inside joke and tribute among filmmakers, particularly in the horror and science fiction genres. Miller's work with Roger Corman helped define the aesthetic of American exploitation cinema in the 1950s and 1960s, while his later collaborations with Joe Dante bridged the gap between B-movies and mainstream Hollywood productions. He represented the working-class backbone of American cinema, the unsung hero who made countless films better through his reliable, authentic performances.
Lasting Legacy
Dick Miller's legacy is that of one of Hollywood's most beloved character actors, a man who never achieved stardom but became a cultural icon through sheer volume of work and consistency of performance. His name became synonymous with the term 'That Guy' - the actor everyone recognizes but whose name they might not know. Miller's career spanned the evolution of American cinema from the studio system through the New Hollywood era and into the blockbuster age, adapting to changing times while maintaining his distinctive style. He inspired countless aspiring actors with his longevity and professionalism, proving that a successful career in Hollywood doesn't require leading-man status or major awards.
Who They Inspired
Dick Miller influenced generations of character actors by demonstrating that a successful career could be built entirely on supporting roles. His work with Roger Corman helped launch the careers of many future Hollywood directors who later cast Miller in their own films as a tribute to their roots. Directors like Martin Scorsese, James Cameron, and Joe Dante frequently included Miller in their projects, recognizing his value as both a performer and a symbol of independent filmmaking. His ability to seamlessly transition between horror, comedy, and drama showed other character actors the importance of versatility in maintaining a long career.
Off Screen
Dick Miller married his wife Lainie in 1960, and their marriage lasted nearly 59 years until his death. They had one daughter together. Despite his prolific career and recognizable face, Miller remained a humble, down-to-earth person who never achieved true stardom but was respected and loved within the film industry. He was known for his professionalism and reliability on set, often being called upon by directors who needed someone who could deliver a solid performance quickly. Miller lived in Los Angeles for most of his adult life and remained active in the film community well into his later years, attending conventions and sharing stories about his extensive career.
Education
City College of New York - Theater Arts program, U.S. Navy service
Family
- Lainie Miller (1960-2019)
Did You Know?
- His character name 'Walter Paisley' became so iconic that he played characters with this name or variations of it in at least 6 different films
- He appeared in over 170 films and television shows throughout his career
- He was one of only two actors to appear in both the original 'Gremlins' and its sequel
- Miller served in the U.S. Navy before pursuing his acting career
- He was a favorite of director Roger Corman, who cast him in numerous low-budget productions
- Despite his extensive filmography, Miller never received an Academy Award nomination
- He often played bartenders, mechanics, or other working-class characters
- His face became so recognizable that filmmakers often cast him as an inside joke for film buffs
- He was a regular at horror and science fiction conventions throughout his later years
- Miller's wife Lainie appeared in several of his films in small roles
- He was known for his ability to deliver memorable performances with minimal screen time
- Many of his films have become cult classics, ensuring his legacy continues to grow
In Their Own Words
I'm not a star, but I'm a good actor. I've worked with some of the best directors in the business.
I've been in so many movies, I can't even remember them all. But I remember the good times.
Roger Corman gave me my start, and I'll always be grateful to him for that.
I've played everything from a monster to a bartender, and I've enjoyed every minute of it.
Being a character actor is the best job in the world. You get to work all the time and nobody bothers you on the street.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Dick Miller?
Dick Miller was a prolific American character actor who appeared in over 170 films and television shows from 1955 to 2012. He was best known for his collaborations with director Roger Corman and his memorable roles in cult classics like 'A Bucket of Blood,' 'The Little Shop of Horrors,' and 'Gremlins.'
What films is Dick Miller best known for?
Dick Miller is best known for his roles in 'A Bucket of Blood' (1959), 'The Little Shop of Horrors' (1960), 'The Terror' (1963), 'Gremlins' (1984), 'The 'Burbs' (1989), and 'Small Soldiers' (1998). He also appeared in numerous other cult classics and B-movies throughout his career.
When was Dick Miller born and when did he die?
Dick Miller was born on December 25, 1928, in Brooklyn, New York, and died on January 30, 2019, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 90.
What awards did Dick Miller win?
While Dick Miller never received major industry awards like Academy Awards, he was honored with a Fangoria Chainsaw Award Lifetime Achievement in 2016 and received posthumous recognition from cult film organizations. His greatest recognition came from fans and fellow filmmakers who appreciated his contributions to cinema.
What was Dick Miller's acting style?
Dick Miller was known for his naturalistic, everyman acting style that brought authenticity to his roles. He specialized in playing working-class characters and had a distinctive appearance and voice that made him instantly recognizable. His approach was understated and grounded, making his characters believable even in fantastical situations.
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Films
3 films
