Sid Haig, Horror Icon, Passed Away At The Age Of 80

By Jodi Smith | Miscellaneous | September 23, 2019 |

By Jodi Smith | Miscellaneous | September 23, 2019 |

Although he appeared in several blaxploitation films in the 1970s, Sid Haig is arguably best known for his iconic role as sadistic clown Captain Spaulding in Rob Zombie’s House of 1,000 Corpses, The Devil’s Rejects, and 3 From Hell. He did, however, work steadily from his first appearance as The Fugitive in a short called The Host in 1960. Fans may be surprised to know he appeared on The Lucy Show with Lucille Ball and was a Royal Apothecary to King Tut on the 1960s Batman series.

Haig’s health first came under question when his wife, Susan L. Oberg, reported on social media that her husband was in the hospital after a fall in early September 2019. During his stay in the hospital, Haig contracted an infection in his lungs after aspirating vomit while asleep. He passed on September 21, 2019, when he was no longer able to stave off the infection.

Haig’s long and varied career touched many fans and colleagues alike, leading to remembrances on social media concerning not only his acting legacy but his humanity.

View this post on Instagram

On this sad day you got to remember the good times. This photo was taken the first time me and Sid got together. It was early 2000 or perhaps even late 1999. It was at the Edith Head Costume building at Universal Studios. We were both having a good laugh at this crummy, ill-fitting clown suit. It took a few tries to get his look right, but we got there. Who knew that crazy clown would become an iconic horror figure? Certainly not the two guys in the picture. #CaptainSpaulding #sidhaig #houseof1000corpses

A post shared by RobZombieofficial (@robzombieofficial) on Sep 23, 2019 at 7:49am PDT

Let history record that just last month Sid Haig showed up for the Scares That Care charity event, flying cross country and taking care of his fans even when he was having trouble walking. He loved the horror family as much as horror loved him.@Shudder @kinky_horror pic.twitter.com/ghgro55VcY

— Joe Bob Briggs (@therealjoebob) September 23, 2019

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The Fireflies lost their patriarch. RIP to my great good friend Sid Haig. The road will seem empty without you. Condolences to the family.

A post shared by Bill Moseley (@choptopmoseley) on Sep 23, 2019 at 11:22am PDT

"You want to be an actor? Be an actor. If you have to starve to do it, starve to do it. But if you're not passionate about what you want to do, you won't be good at it"

Rest in peace, Sid Haig pic.twitter.com/KdloiWusfk

— Arrow Video (@ArrowFilmsVideo) September 23, 2019

Very sad to hear about Sid Haig’s passing. I knew him for many years and he was one of my favs! I will really miss him. 😢 R.I.P. #sidhaig pic.twitter.com/mYRFMNxE9t

— Elvira (@TheRealElvira) September 23, 2019

Awww so sad about Sid Haig. From Spider Baby to Captain Spaulding he created a strong iconic presence in all his roles. In person he was warm and kind and all will remember how devoted he was to his fans. Too soon gone but so bold and brilliant we will never forget. #Rip

— Barbara Crampton (@barbaracrampton) September 23, 2019

Goodbye Sid Haig. A great mate to hang with. An enthralling storyteller. A class act. One of a kind. An historical landmark that will missed forever. pic.twitter.com/1YSYbE1p69

— Tom Savini (@THETomSavini) September 23, 2019

My Son SID had the honor of meeting Sid Haig in November 2017.

“Captain Spaulding” could not resist giving our Son kiss after kiss, especially after we told him that they share the same name.

Sid Haig was HELL on film, but Heaven on Earth.#ChicagoHistory #RIPSidHaig pic.twitter.com/RypT5sHO51

— Chicago History ™ï¸ (@Chicago_History) September 23, 2019

This photo was taken in March 14, 2018. The last time @RobZombie, @choptopmoseley, @SMZofficial and Sid Haig were together. #ripSidHaig pic.twitter.com/JaqB3hEBPN

— 3 FROM HELL (@RobZombieFilms) September 23, 2019