Remembering a Fallen Actor and Hero

Posted by medusamorlock on May 10, 2007

David Huffman in Firefox Actor David Huffman would have turned 62 today, May 10th, but the talented actor with so much promise ahead of him never got the chance to grow old like most of us do. Twenty-two years ago, when Huffman was just 39, this accomplished and likable stage, movie and television actor was brutally murdered.

While his name might not be familiar to everyone, David Huffman was a busy actor with a burgeoning list of credits that began with his Broadway debut in Butterflies are Free, and continued while he cut his teeth on a steady stream of TV movies and miniseries, including the lauded 1976 Eleanor and Franklin, F. Scott Fitzgerald and The Last of the Belles, Baretta, Captains and the Kings, Testimony of Two Men (anybody else rememember the Operation Prime Time offerings that put independent TV stations on the map? I was there, baby!), Lou Grant, and the starring role in Tom Edison: The Boy Who Lit Up The World in 1979. Huffman also branched out into movies, making his debut in the revenge action title Wolf Lake in 1978, where he played a Vietnam draft dodger who’s targeted by embittered Rod Steiger who blames Huffman for the death of his soldier son.

He got a big break the next year when he was cast as Sylvester Stallone’s union buddy in F.I.S.T., then had roles in two popular releases Ice Castles and The Onion Field. Horror fans remember his role in the low budget Blood Beach, and the same year he filmed the modest ripped-from-the-headlines St. Helens, about the massive volcanic explosion of the David Huffman in Blood Beach Washington mountain in May of 1980. Art Carney co-starred as the cantankerous real-life eccentric named Harry Truman who vowed to stay put in his cabin despite the warnings of impending doom, and did just that. This modest movie is one of those titles that is much better than it needed to be, fairly accurately recreating the uncertainty of the St. Helens pre-eruption situation, and the valiant attempts of the scientists to predict when she would blow her top. Huffman is charming and convincing as the volcanologist who, after St. Helens starring Art Carney and David Huffman falling in love with a local lass and urging her to safety (okay, so they romanticized it a little) is the guy who was up on the mountain when it blew, and radioed the news just before he was incinerated and buried by the blast.

Huffman worked with action star Clint Eastwood in 1982’s Firefox, then continued making frequent TV appearances in popular favorites like Little House on the Prairie, Trapper John, M.D., Remington Steele, Newhart, as well as going back to his first love the stage to hone his craft. In February of 1985, Huffman was appearing at San Diego’s Old Globe Theater, located in Balboa Park near the San Diego Zoo in Of Mice and Men, and was going to be leaving the production a few weeks early in order to take a role in the highly-anticipated miniseries The Blue and the Gray. He had brought cookies to his castmates as an early goodbye gift, and would give his last performance on the upcoming weekend.

It was the morning of February 27, 1985, and actor David Huffman was in his van, playing the bagpipes, in the parking lot near the theater. Close by there were shouts, an elderly couple by their motorhome yelling that somebody had broken into their vehicle, and Huffman looked up to see a David Huffman in F.I.S.T. young man fleeing the scene. David gunned his engine and followed the suspect, only to see him disappear into the foliage of one of the steep canyons in Balboa Park. Stopping his van and leaving it by the road in a red zone, Huffman jumped from his van and ran into Palm Canyon, chasing after the suspect who continued deeper into the thick growth. The suspect was momentarily held back by a fence, and Huffman caught up to him. The two men struggled and just a moment later Huffman was attacked with a sharp instrument, his chest pierced twice, and he went down. The suspect continued his escape. Minutes later, Huffman had bled to death, and his body was found an hour later by a group of schoolchildren on a nature hike.

Hollywood was shocked, San Diego was shocked, family, friends and fans were shocked. This was a brutal murder and the exact circumstances were not even known for a time. The group in the parking lot who had witnessed the beginning of the chase had waited around, but when no one returned from the canyon, those witnesses, who turned out to be Canadian tourists, didn’t know what to do, so they left. They had no idea that their hero had died while trying to help them, and in fact didn’t even know of the slaying until days later, when they read of it in the newspaper and contacted the authorities. It was an unsolved crime until someone came forward and helped create a police drawing, then the authorities were able to track down the suspect, a 16-year-old illegal immigrant with a history of theft and violence who had been picked up by the police earlier that morning after being found prowling around a different parking lot, then dropped off at the high school he was supposed to be attending. An hour or so later he had murdered David Huffman.

When the accused finally came to trial at the end of 1985, despite testimony that he had merely been “frightened” when he stabbed Huffman to death — using a screwdriver, as it turned out — jurors convicted him of first degree murder and he was sentenced to 26 years in jail, which must have sounded like a long time back then. Now, twenty-two years after the crime, it’s surely not nearly enough.

At his memorial service, Huffman was remembered by his friends as “part prince, part angel, part saint.” Clearly the circumstances leading to his death did not suggest otherwise; he came to the aid of fellow human beings, without hesitation, as a selfless hero. Hollywood had lost a gifted actor; his wife, casting director Phyllis Huffman, had lost her husband and the father of her two sons. In later years she would credit actor/director Clint Eastwood for helping her get back on her feet; she became Eastwood’s primary casting agent for all his films, and in fact her last two projects were his Flags of Our Fathers and Letters from Iwo Jima. Phyllis Huffman died in March 2006 after a short illness.

David Huffman is remembered for his career and also, sadly, for the terrible way it was cut short. My fellow Morlocks and I seem to touch on death a David Huffman Autograph on Ebay fair bit in our entries, but we do it, I’m sure, in the hopes that good and memorable things and people are indeed remembered long after they are gone, as it should be. It’s the very least we can do for them.

(The image on the right is from an Ebay auction of his autograph.)

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22 Responses Remembering a Fallen Actor and Hero

Posted By RHS : May 11, 2007 1:45 am

I remember my shock upon reading of Huffman's death in John Willis' Screen World annual in 1983. I'd seen many of his movies and his violent death seemed all wrong for such a gentle-seeming man. I've thought about him on and off in the almost quarter century since then and I always go back to his ending narration in St. Helens, in which his character affirms that he'd rather be there where it's happening than live a full life at the cost of missing his moment. I'm paraphrasing from memory, but I wonder if Huffman didn't believe that himself.It's strange to think Huffman would be 62… check out the subject of my most recent blog entry, written entirely in ignorance of yours.

Posted By Artie : May 12, 2007 3:58 pm

I have no recollection of this actor even though I have seen two of the films you mentioned – F.I.S.T. and The Onion Field – and don't remember his face from those. James Wood pretty much walked away with The Onion Field – what a fascinating psycho he played. He's good at that. I think the criminal he was portraying just died. But back to Huffman, I'll check out Blood Beach and Wolf Lake – those sound like good old-fashioned drive-in movies.

Posted By Greg Russell Tiderington : March 15, 2008 3:21 am

I own the movie St Helens and became a fan of Huffman's since I saw it in 1991 and cry every time and feel sad for a while as his character died and get more upset when watching it cause he really is dead. I envy Huffman wherever he is and think that there should be a true story of a movie on his life although he wasnt a big star but so what he was gifted and had great qualities. I truly believe that hes either a wandering spirit on Earth or in heaven with God. I would've told him how I admired his talent if he was still alive but was murdered when I was 10. I tried to get in contact with Phyllis but she passed away and the number was dead as I wanted to talk to her about him and how this effects me. Is there anyone out there that knows any of his surviving family members I can contact? I have lost alot of loved ones and some of their deaths were sudden. I hope someone can help me out. Im an actor too and Huffman inspired me to never give up.

Posted By Ralph : March 15, 2008 10:04 am

David Huffman always reminded me of the perfect-looking young leading men of 30s Hollywood drawing room films. Similar to David Manners — perfect, thick hair, handsome face, beautifully dressed. He and Keir Dullea could trade parts easily.I believe in helping people in distress, but some crimes should be left to the police. David's actions were spontaneous, I know, but his bravery costed him his life.

Posted By Judy : April 17, 2008 10:07 pm

I developed a crush on him when I saw him in a TV (I think) movie. I thought it was the Last Belles of Amberst. Anyway, saw him in several things after that. I lived in San Diego at the time and remember hearing on the radio that "Actor David Huffman" had been murdered. I prayed it was not "MY" David Huffman. I was devastated he was killed and sickened that it was in my city. I remember reading an article in the paper (I may still have it) that his license plate said "4daboys" or some similar wording. For his two boys. I was so heartbroken for his family. I searched for info on him the first time I had internet access, and of course over the years, have seen more info than at first. Thank you to this writer for giving me info that I had never read before. I was again heartbroken when I read that Phyllis had died, leaving her 2 boys.

Posted By Bob Newkirk : May 30, 2009 11:37 am

I knew David as I lived next to his aunt and uncle in Boulder Ill. David visited at least once sometimes twice a year and we got to know each other well. I remember one occassion, David was preparing for an upcoming role where he would play the bagpipes. instead of dubbing the music David learned to play the instrument himself. David walked over to my house knowing I was sleeping and began to play “Amazing Grace” outside my bedroom window until I awoke. Looking out the window, I was greeted by his beeming smile. I met his wife Phyllis and sons Matt and Phillip ot “Pip” as David called him. I treated them rides on my motorcycle and boat rides on Carlyle Lake.
I was shocked and deeply saddened by his murder and I have always missed him. He was a man of gentleness and total devotion to family and craft.
So impressed was I by this man, my first son was named in his honor.
David was later joined by his de3ar wife Phyllis who was in her own right a beutiful and talented lady
Matt and “Pip” I wish you well and the very best in life.
Sincerely – an old friend, Bob

Posted By medusamorlock : May 30, 2009 1:13 pm

Bob, what a lovely remembrance of your fallen friend. There was a special quality in David that touched so many of us, most of all you and everyone else who knew him in real life. The loss must have been nearly unbearable.

Thank you for sharing these memories with us. I know that we all join you in wishing David and Phyllis’ two children the very best.

Glad you found this article. Thanks again.

Posted By Brian : November 11, 2009 10:04 am

Fucking idiot should have not chased after him, what a fucking retard. lol

Posted By medusamorlock : November 11, 2009 11:24 am

Brian, your comment is really out of line, and if you have read any of the other comments, you know that NOT doing anything would have been completely out of character for David Huffman.

I hope you can understand why I hate what you wrote.

Posted By Jim : January 13, 2010 3:40 pm

I was in the production of “Of Mice and Men” that David was starring in at the time of his death. I’ve thought of his gentle soul so many times since then – he was a truly good and decent man. I’m sorry now to have read that Phyllis is gone too. I only hope his boys have grown up to health and happiness as their father would want for them.

Posted By arthur_bishop72 : January 16, 2010 7:17 pm

I’ve been watching St. Helens on and off since it was on TV in 1981 and loved his sincere performance in it. I finally found it a few years ago on DVD. I only found out today about what happened to David Huffman. I feel for his two boys and pray they are prospering and happy.

Brian, as someone with 2 young children, I can say with absolute certainty that I would blowtorch you militantly if I ever heard you utter those words in front of me.

Posted By Marilyn McCunn : January 24, 2010 10:29 pm

He was my cousin on my mother’s side in the Dippel family. We were so proud of David’s life and still miss him and Phyllis. We cherish the photos we have of him and his family taken in southern Illinois.

Posted By Medusa : January 25, 2010 12:07 pm

I am continually gratified by the kind words and wonderful memories so many friends, family and fans have of David Huffman. Thanks for visiting.

Posted By james norris : January 27, 2010 10:24 pm

I worked with David on the 1984 production of “Children in the Crossfire”. David was the nicest person i have ever met and i still remember him fondly. Being from Ireland and only 14 years old at the time,David took me under his wing in the big smoke that is L.A. Words cannot describe how good a person he was, he was simply a gentleman. I am so honoured to have met David and the time we spent together and i will always cherish those memories forever..
Ps Brian you will never be half the man!!

Posted By Renee Ryan : February 27, 2010 6:36 pm

Does anyone know what part David was suppose to play in the mini-series “North and South” ??? I read that was his next job he was going to do but he was murdered.

Posted By hellesbelles : March 13, 2010 5:00 pm

I had often wondered what happened to David Huffman, and only recently discovered he had been murdered. It saddened me. I had a crush on him and thought he was going to be well known and lauded by his peers one day, only to have life and career cut short by someone who shouldn’t even have been in this country. Brian, to say that you’re a moron would be an insult to morons the world over, so suffice to say, you should look into having your brain wired into your mouth/fingers, before you ‘speak’ again. I just hope his wife and children led happy and productive lives and didn’t end like so many victim’s families, cast adrift by sudden, stupid violence.

Posted By sugar xyler : April 21, 2010 9:42 pm

I NOTICED DAVID’S ANGEL FACE THE FIRST TIME ON TELEVISION IN THE 70′S.HE LOOKED SO SWEET.GLAD TO KNOW HE WAS THAT WAY IN LIFE.I HAVE REALLY MISSED NOT SEEING HIM OVER THE YEARS.HE AND MY RAUL JULIA HAD ONE OF THE BEST SMILES EVER CAPTURED ON FILM.I HAD A MAJOR CRUSH ON DAVID FOR TWO DECADES AND WOULD HAVE LOVED TO HAVE MET MR. HUFFMAN. RAUL THOUGHT WELL OF DAVID’S WIFE,PHYLLIS AND SAID SHE WAS A VERY KIND PERSON.I AM VERY SAD THAT THEY BOTH ARE NO LONGER HERE.I THINK OF THEIR SON’S ON FATHER’S DAY AND WISH THEM PEACE AND COMFORT ALWAYS FOR I NEVER HAD A FATHER AND WOULD HAVE LOVED TO HAVE HAD SOMEONE LIKE DAVID FOR A DAD.

Posted By SUGAR XYLER : April 21, 2010 9:48 pm

ALSO, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS WONDERFUL ARTICLE ON DAVID HUFFMAN!IT WAS ABOUT TIME HE WAS GIVEN SOME SPACE ON THE NET!!

Posted By Medusa : April 22, 2010 1:42 pm

I recently caught a David Huffman appearance in the TV movie “Amelia Earhart” starring Susan Clark and John Forsythe. He played a radio operator who kept trying to contact the plane after they’d lost contact with it, and he had quite a nice scene at the end. It ran on one of the Encore Channels, so keep an eye out for it. He’s in the later part of the movie.

Thanks also to everyone for their continued interest in David Huffman. He is well remembered for his life and his talent.

Posted By Ernie Neer : May 1, 2010 1:24 pm

David was my one of my 1st cousins, well by marriage, but where I come from that makes him my 1st cousin. We were visiting his folks in southern Illinois and drove in to St Louis to see “Butterflies are Free” with Gloria Swanson. I still remember him fondly.

Posted By Dan Flanders : July 4, 2010 10:41 pm

I had the pleasure with working with David on the made for TV movie
F Scott Fitzgerald and the Last of the Belles and spent quite a bit of time with him during the filming in Savannah, Ga.. He was absolutely the nicest guy you would ever meet. You would never know he was an accomplished actor because he treated everyone as a friend. It was a ppleasure to have known him and counted him as my friend and his untimely death is so unfair. God Bless You David

Posted By medusamorlock : July 5, 2010 10:08 am

Once again, thanks to Dan and all who have shared memories of this extraordinary young man who touched us all with his talent and grace. We’re all clearly still thinking about him and that is testimony that continues to live on.

Thanks again to all who have found this article and responded.

- Medusa

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