Edmund Purdom 1924-2009

It is with great sadness that I write that Mr. Purdom has passed away at the age of 82 years old.

Purdom began acting in theater in 1945 and went on to have a prestigious career in films, including appearing in the films Julius Caesar (1953) and The Egyptian (1954). But let’s face it, he was most loved by us for appearing in the cult classic Pieces (1982). In fact, he was a regular face in B horror, especially Italian fare such as Rosso Sangue (aka Anthropophagus 2, 1981) and 2019: Dopo la cuduta di New York (2019: After the Fall of New York, 1983). Purdom’s dignified appearance and regal acting style always brought up the bar for whatever production he appeared in.

Purdom took the director’s chair once, helming the nasty slasher Don’t Open Until Christmas (1984), which featured the brutal slayings of men dressed as Santa Claus. It has gone on to be a favorite among holiday slasher fanatics, myself included!

Purdom was married four times and has two children. His daughter Lilian Purdom is a journalist for French television.

Thank you Mr. Purdom for all those hours of entertainment.