Irwin Keyes, a horror character actor best known for his roles in “House of 1000 Corpses,” “The Warriors” and “Intolerable Cruelty,” died on Wednesday. He was 63.
He also had a recurring role as Hugo, a burly, but dimwitted bodyguard on the ’70s-’80s CBS sitcom “The Jeffersons.”
Keyes passed away in Playa del Rey, California, of complications from acromegaly, a rare disorder caused when the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone.
“It’s with deep sympathy that I’m writing this post. Early this morning my family was informed that our beloved uncle, brother, teammate and friend, Irwin Keyes has had his last curtain call. He is now an angel for us all and will be watching down,” family member Rene Galarza said in a statement. “Our family wishes to thank all of you who have been a part of his life. He will be missed very much.”
Keyes’ other notable roles included “The Flinstones in Viva Rock Vegas,” “Police Squad,” “Married… With Children,” “Growing Pains,” a 2007 episode of “CSI” and most recently, “Dahmer vs. Gacy” in 2009 and in the 2013 digital series “Dead Kansas.”
He was considered for the role of Freddy Krueger in “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” but lost out on the iconic part to Robert Englund.
Born in New York, Keyes lived in Los Angeles. He is survived by his wife, Tracy Fontaine.