Glenn Shadix, 58, best known for playing interior designer Otho in the movie Beetlejuice (1988), died Tuesday morning in Birmingham, Ala., according to a statement posted by the actor’s family on his official website. Shadix, who was in a wheelchair due to mobility problems, reportedly died after falling and hitting his head in his kitchen, the actor’s sister told The Birmingham News. Director Tim Burton cast Shadix in Beetlejuice after seeing him portray Gertrude Stein in a Los Angeles play. Shadix would work with Burton again on The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) and Planet of the Apes (2001). Shadix also did voice work for the animated show Teen Titans, and guest starred in such shows as Carnivàle and Seinfeld (as Jerry’s landlord). A memorial service is scheduled for Sept. 11 in Birmingham.
Sep 7
2010
08:19 PM ET
'Beetlejuice' actor Glenn Shadix dies
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That is sad news, and you forgot to mention him as the priest in Heathers!
I knew that was the same guy in Heathers! RIP, Glenn.
RIP
I’m getting everybody to sign a petition to bring ‘Teen Titans’ back to Cartoon Network with new season 6 episodes that should be dedicated to the loving memories of Tony Jay (1933-2006) and Glenn Shadix (1952-2010). Dee Bradley Baker should be the new voice portrayer for Brain and Monsieur Mallah in the new season 6 episodes.
So strange, I was JUST thinking about him a few days ago, wondering what ever happened to him. Weird how that always seems to happen, very sad to hear of his passing.
Same here. Strange how that happens.
Sad news, indeed.
May he rest in peace.
So sad. I was also just thinking of him–an actor in another flick reminded me of him. What role did he play in Carnivale? I saw every episode of that (underappreciated) series and I’m blanking on his part. Wish you had been in more, Glenn. You were a memorable part of Beetlejuice and definitely held your own against all the other famous actors in the cast.
I remember him towards the end of the second and final season…im drawing a blank though as to what his role was.
He was one of the townspeople who was opposed to the preacher’s plans to build the church for the migrants in the whorehouse, from what I recall.
This saddens me greatly. I remember when he used to play a giant on Hercules. RIP.
So sad, too many are dying from hitting their head! Met Glenn at a Sci Fi convention in Fla. Got to sit next to him at the banquet. What a sweet and funny guy!
That’s so weird because I was just thinking of him too. I had a knee MRI last week and told my hubby afterward that the technician reminded me of the guy from Beetlejuice, meaning Otho. And I haven’t see that movie in years. May he RIP.
And don’t forget Associate Bob in the so-awful-you-have-to-watch-it Demolition Man!
I loved him in Beetlejuice, how sad!
What a wonderful, under appreciated character actor, in the best sense of the word. He made every character he played memorable. He will be missed.
He was awesome in Beetlejuice and as the voice of the TNBC Mayor! So sad.
He was in the subcategory of “That Guy” actors who are known for a specific role. I.e. you would say “It’s Otho!” instead of “It’s that guy!” I still have to see “Shut Yer Dirty Little Mouth”, based on the Ray and Pete tapes. Perfect casting, that.
He also portrayed Orson Wells in Tim Burton’s over-looked classic “Ed Wood”. He channeled Mr Wells with an performance that set him above the title of ‘character actor’
Oh, he was amazing! Didn’t realize that was him!
So sad. I best remember him from his multiple appearances on Hercules the Legendary Journeys. He played well intentioned if clumsy giants.
I can’t believe these are all the comments on here. He was so great in Beetlejuice and I’m embarrassed to say I haven’t seen the rest of his work but he was such an amazing actor who deserved his ‘big break’. I also was just thinking of him maybe two weeks ago wondering what happened to him, poor guy. I had no idea he had mobility problems, that’s a hard thing to deal with. May he rest in peace, he seemed like a caring guy. My condolences to his family and friends xxx