Chuck Niles was an American actor and jazz disc jockey who is best known for his work on the radio and in various films including “Barn of the Naked Dead,” “Attack of the Mayan Mummy,” and “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”
Personal and Family Life
Chuck Niles, born Charles Neidel on June 24, 1927, in Springfield, Massachusetts, was married to Nancy Neidel from 1964 until his death in 2004. The couple had one child together. Throughout his career, he was recognized as a prominent jazz disc jockey and enjoyed a long tenure at several radio stations in California.
Career
Niles began his career as an announcer at WTXL radio in Massachusetts, moving on to KNOB and later KBCA in Los Angeles, where he worked from 1965 to 1990. He was the only jazz disc jockey honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to radio, receiving this accolade in 1998. Niles had a significant influence in the jazz community in Southern California and held his role at KKJZ in Long Beach for over twenty years.
Death and Legacy
Chuck Niles passed away on March 15, 2004, in Santa Monica, California, due to complications from a stroke. He was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles. Niles is remembered not only for his contributions to jazz music but also for his work in film and radio.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Barn of the Naked Dead | 1974-08-01 | Derek Moore |
| Attack of the Mayan Mummy | 1964-01-01 | Douglas Banks |
| Face of the Screaming Werewolf | 1964-01-01 | Douglas Banks |
| Equinox | 1970-10-01 | Reporter Sloan (voice) (uncredited) |
| Creature of the Walking Dead | 1965-06-15 | Masseur |
| Hand of Death | 1962-03-01 | Reporter |
| Breakfast at Tiffany’s | 1961-10-06 | Sing Sing Prison Guard (uncredited) |
| Invasion of the Animal People | 1959-08-19 | Second Doctor (US TV version) (uncredited) |