Beloved 'Beetlejuice' Actor Glenn Shadix Dead at 58

By PopEater Staff Posted Sep 7th 2010 07:15PM

Glenn Shadix, best known for his role as Otho the interior decorator in the '80s cult favorite, 'Beetlejuice,' died Tuesday morning, The Birmingham News reports. The actor died following a fall at his home in Birmingham, Alabama, his sister, Susan Gagne, told the newspaper.

Gagne revealed that her brother was "having mobility problems" in recent years and had likely fallen out of his wheelchair and "hit his head in the kitchen." She thinks the hit to the head was responsible for his death. The character actor was 58.

In addition to 'Beetlejuice,' Shadix starred in two more Tim Burton films over the years: he was the voice of the mayor in 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' and played Senator Nado in Burton's 2001 remake of 'Planet of the Apes.' He also had small roles in 'Heathers,' 'Demolition Man' and 'Multiplicity.' Prior to retiring from Hollywood, Shadix did voice over work for many years.

The actor was born in Bessemer, a suburb of Birmingham, where he routinely starred in local theater productions. On his website, Shadix is described as a photographer and gay rights activist. He spoke often about undergoing so-called ex-gay therapy as a teenager.

Shadix's sister said the actor retired four years ago and returned to Birmingham to be closer to his family. He is survived by his sister, Gange, and spouse Jon Jong.

The Famous 'Banana Boat' Scene From 'Beetlejuice':

Tags: Glenn Shadix, obituary

Comments

(36)

Wednesday 08 September

By Sharon

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The article doesn't mention that Glenn Shadix was a homosexual.

By TOB

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Sharon: Read the article: "The actor was born in Bessemer, a suburb of Birmingham, where he routinely starred in local theater productions. On his website, Shadix is described as a photographer and gay rights activist. He spoke often about undergoing so-called ex-gay therapy as a teenager.

Shadix's sister said the actor retired four years ago and returned to Birmingham to be closer to his family. He is survived by his sister, Gange, and spouse Jon Jong."

By Ginger

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Sharon better read that article again. He was gay, not that there's anything wrong with that.

By donna

It says he is survived by his spouse Jon....It also spoke of the therapy he was in as a teenager that for being gay.

By Norma

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It does say he was a gay rights activist and is survived by his spouse "Jon" Jong

By Bootsyboy

Or that you're a low life.

By Dan

Yes it does if you read carefully ... Not that there's anything wrong with it!

By cadreams3

Some of you people are talking about the wrong actor. Glenn Shadix is the one that died not Jeffrey Jones. They were both in Beetlejuice. I think a couple of you are getting them confused. Relax Jackie, Bill was paying homage to him and his film....and, it WAS funny. RIP Otho.

By Al

Mickey Mouse is a homo-sexual..Who cares..None of our business.

By Sam

He was great on Xena, too. Sorry to see him go.

By jorgebrito2

My condolences to his sister and friends. I can see his sister was a good sister to him, she was always there for him. RIP Glenn.

By terelon

My condolences go to the family. I loved his character 'Otho' in 'Beetlejuice.' RIP Glenn.

By Tim

What a shame. He was great.

By Toni

I loved that movie and I certainly remember him. I'm so sorry to hear that. Very unfortunate accident.