Don Calfa Biography

Don Calfa is best remembered for his role as Mortician Ernie Kaltenbrunner in the 1985 cult classic “The Return of the Living Dead”. Don’s career spans over 40 years in both film and TV. Born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Ozone Park Queens, and later Westchester, Long Island, Don was originally interested in a career in the fine arts.

He got the acting bug after seeing films such as Rebel Without A Cause and Vertigo. After dropping out of high school to study at Irwin Piscotor's The Dramatic Workshop, (he finished his degree in night school), Don spent two years in summer stock which enabled him to join Actors Equity and eventually get his SAG card.

Don has starred alongside some of cinema’s greats including, Warren Beatty in “Bugsy”, Michael Douglas in “The Star Chamber”, Jack Nicholson in “The Postman Always Rings Twice” Robert DeNiro in “New York, New York”, Dudley Moore in “Blake Edwards “10” and many more.

Among Don’s most memorable roles were as Ralph Wilum in “Chopper Chicks in Zombietown”, Paulie in “Weekend at Bernie’s”, Scarface in “Foul Play”, Mr. Pitts on the TV series "Beverly Hills, 90210", and many more.

His stage work includes extensive off-off-Broadway work, and he appeared on Broadway in Lenny.

Don still works in the movie business and more recently starred in independent movies such as “Lewisburg” and “Jukebox California” Don works the convention circuit in the USA, along side the rest of the cast of “The Return of the Living Dead”.  Don has also attended conventions in Germany and the United Kingdom.

In March 2007 Don along with the rest of the ROTLD cast recorded a cast commentary for the new Collectors Edition DVD of the “Return of the Living Dead” which was released on September 11th 2007. Don appreciates his fans comments and continued support.

Don now resides in California, he has one child (Evan) from his second marriage. Don is a member of the Oscar Board and enjoys visiting the cinema and keeping up-to-date on today's biggest releases.

Please visit the sites online shop where you can purchase Exclusive signed photos and art prints.

This site created and maintained by SMARTG/CALFAD - This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD Copyright © 1984 Hemdale Presentations/Fox Films Productions. All Rights Reserved. Copyright © 1984 Cinema '84, a Greenberg Bros. Partnership. All Rights Reserved. Copyright © 1985 Orion Pictures Releasing Corp./MGM Home Video. All Rights Reserved.
Uneeda logo and ROTLD logo Copyright © 1984 William Stout, Inc.
Don Calfa personal images Copyright © 2008/2009 Don Calfa,
www.doncalfa.com

don calfa Dec 2007.jpg