Anthony DiLeo Jr., beloved by horror fans for his role in Day of the Dead and his frequent collaborations with horror director George Romero, passed away on Friday. Horror news outlet Bloody Disgusting reported the actor died due to complications from COVID. He was 76.
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He was featured in numerous films linked to Romero, the legendary director of the horror classic Night of the Living Dead. Notable appearances include his role as Pvt. Miguel Salazar in 1985’s Day of the Dead, Corncook in 1981’s Knightriders, Vandal in 1988’s Monkey Shines, and the Taxi Driver in 1990’s Two Evil Eyes.
RIP to Day of the Dead actor Anthony Dileo Jr. pic.twitter.com/8o60dVqRYZ
— Nick Vaught (@vaught88) February 10, 2025
Occasionally credited as Tim DiLeo or Antone DiLeo, the actor not only portrayed a zombie but also contributed as a production assistant on special effects legend Tom Savini’s 1990 remake of Night of the Living Dead.
DiLeo‘s Day of the Dead co-star Lori Cardille also took to Facebook on Saturday to confirm his passing.
“It is with great sadness that I let you all know that my dear friend and colleague Anthony DiLeo passed away last night from Covid,” she began.
“Tim was filled with love for nature, his beloved animals, family and friends and fans,” Cardille continued. “He made me laugh every day while making Day of the Dead. Tim was an accomplished pianist with a beautiful voice. I will miss you Tim. My heart is broken. I love you friend.”
Horror Fans Pay Tribute to ‘Day of the Dead’ Star Anthony Dileo Jr.
Anthony DiLeo Jr. was a fan favorite and a regular on the convention circuit. As news of his death spread, horror lovers took to social media to pay tribute to the actor.
“Rest in power to a true horror legend… he fought the undead on screen so we could live our darkest dreams. Day of the Dead will always be immortal,” one fan wrote on X.
RIP Anthony Dileo Jr. (Private Salazar). pic.twitter.com/XbCryYEK67
— Rob Daviau🍁 (@MaximumRD) February 9, 2025
“One of the nicest guys. He will be missed for sure,” another fan wrote.
“Part of one of my favourite movie openings ever,” a third fan noted. Of course, the fan is talking about DiLeo Jr. as Pvt. Miguel Salazar riding through a city devastated by a zombie apocalypse, shouting into a loudspeaker: “Hellooooo! Is anyone there? Helloooo!”
Classic delivery on DiLeo Jr.’s part. Meanwhile, the veteran actor’s legacy lives on in other, unexpected ways, too.
If you’ve ever listened to the Gorillaz song “M1 A1,” the intro features a performance by DiLeo Jr. from the aforementioned opening scene from Day of the Dead.