I recently rediscovered Mr. Ansara’s work with the two films I selected to feature as part of the William Castle Blogathon. His performances in both films were highlights I felt compelled to point out. I was saddened to learn of his passing this past Wednesday.

I’m not going to offer a career overview here and now, and such things are easily found elsewhere. Undoubtedly, we will look at his impressive career in genre films time and again, and I hope that will do some small measure to help insure he is not forgotten. I guess, with this short, woefully insufficient post, I just want to say “Thank you” to a man who brought so many fond memories to my childhood and continues to amuse and inspire me as an adult writing about film.

Michael Ansara (April 15, 1922 – July 31, 2013)

“We’re all human. We have our foibles, we’ve made mistakes and yet there is still greatness.” — Michael Ansara