Actor Rick Ducommun has died at the age of 58.
Ducommun appeared in a bevy of hugely popular comedies throughout his career, which included Groundhog Day, The ‘Burbs, and Little Monsters . He also acted in Spaceballs, Die Hard, The Hunt For Red October, The Last Boy Scout, Last Action Hero , and Scary Movie.
Director Joe Dante was the first to reveal that sad news of Ducommun’s passing, courtesy of his Twitter page.
RIP Rick Ducommun. pic.twitter.com/52J5wKXToU
— Joe Dante (@joe_dante) June 18, 2015
The filmmaker, who directed Ducommun in The ‘Burbs and has also overseen the likes of Gremlins and Small Soldiers , then proceeded to upload numerous messages in tribute to the comedian.
Relatively unknown standup comic Rick Ducommon beat out SCTV’s Dave Thomas and Rick Moranis for the part of @tomhanks ‘ paranoid neighbor. — Joe Dante (@joe_dante) June 18, 2015
And knocked it out of the park.
— Joe Dante (@joe_dante) June 18, 2015
Lots of the funniest stuff he says was totally ad libbed. A very funny guy who favored me with a cameo in GREMLINS 2. Too young to go! — Joe Dante (@joe_dante) June 18, 2015
Rest In Peace Rick Ducommun #theburbs https://t.co/J8BSg7thnG
— That Guy Dick Miller (@thatdickmiller) June 18, 2015
Ducommun managed to immediately steal any scene that he was a part of with his peculiar presence and stellar comedic timing, and even if you don’t know his name, you will immediately remember his appearance in some of your favorite films.
Back on July 3, 1956, in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada, Ducommon began to rise to prominence in the early 1980s. However, it was as Art Weingartner, Tom Hanks’ neighbor in The ‘Burbs , where Ducommon made his first real imprint.
However, arguably, Rick Ducommun’s most memorable performance came during his brief appearance in Groundhog Day opposite Bill Murray , where he played the loveable Gus, a bar-fly with regrets. You can check out a quick look at his performance in the acclaimed comedy below.
Meanwhile, you can also have an extended look at Ducommun in The ‘Burbs alongside Tom Hanks , too.
It’s currently not known what led to the death of Rick Ducommun.
[Image via Columbia Pictures]
