Actor Zack Norman has passed away at the age of 83. His death was announced by his daughter. Some of Norman’s film credits include Romancing The Stone, Ragtime, Cadillac Man, and Tracks, among many others. Born out of Boston, Norman boasts an extensive résumé that expands past film. As the New York Times reported, Norman got his start in stand-up comedy. Once he broke into acting, he left for a short while, due to the pay being low. 

Between film and stand-up, he even had his hand in several plays. He acted in some and produced others, starring in The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui, while also producing Live Like Pigs. 

His experience on both sides of bringing stories to life led him to attempt his own film, Chief Zabu. Chief Zabu followed a pair of friends trying to buy control of a chain of islands by getting the money through overcomplicated financial tactics. 

While filmed and completed, with writing, directing, and headlining taken over by Norman, it initially didn’t see the light of day. Despite this, a copy of the film was utilized and riffed on Mystery Science Theater 3000, leading to it gaining a cult following, and it was eventually released widespread in 2016. 

He is survived by his wife Nancy, sister Janie, daughters Lori and Tracy, sons Stephen and Michael, and his grandchildren.