
Philip H. Hayes
Aug 31, 1940 - Dec 19, 2023
Evansville, IN
In Memory of Philip H. Hayes
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David Emge
Sep 08, 1946 - Jan 19, 2024
Evansville, IN
"On January 20th, 2024, in Evansville, Indiana, actor David Emge passed away at the age of 77. Famous for his role as helicopter pilot Stephen in the 1978 zombie classic Dawn of the Dead, Emge left a lasting impression on horror fans worldwide. His filmography also included notable appearances in The Booby Hatch (1976) and Basket Case 2 (1990). Emge's journey into acting began after his service in the Vietnam War. He started at the Pittsburgh Playhouse before moving to New York. It was there that director George Romero cast him in the role of Stephen, a pivotal character in Dawn of the Dead. In the film, Emge's portrayal of Stephen, along with his distinctive zombie walk, became iconic among horror enthusiasts. His performance helped shape the modern cinematic zombie archetype and left a lasting impact on the genre. Beyond his acting career, Emge's portrayal of ""Flyboy"" inspired future filmmakers like Simon Pegg, who paid tribute to Emge's work in his memoir Nerd Do Well. Filmmaker Ted Geoghegan also praised Emge's contribution to Dawn of the Dead, hailing the film as a profound social commentary. Emge's legacy lives on through his memorable performances and his influence on the horror genre. "