John ‘Bud’ Cardos was an American actor and director, best known for his roles in films such as “Satan’s Sadists,” “The Dark,” and “Kingdom of the Spiders.” His work spanned decades, making him a recognizable figure in the B-movie scene.
Personal and Family Life
Born on December 20, 1929, in St. Louis, Missouri, John ‘Bud’ Cardos came from a family with a strong connection to the entertainment industry. His father and uncle managed famous theaters in Los Angeles, which likely influenced his career path. He was married to Letty and had four children, including his son Jon-Jon. Cardos enjoyed a diverse career, starting as a child actor and later venturing into directing and stunt work.
Career Overview
Cardos’s career began in the 1940s as a child actor in Hal Roach’s “Our Gang” comedies. He transitioned into stunt work and direction, gaining a cult following for his roles in various exploitation films. Notably, he directed the cult classic “Kingdom of the Spiders” and took over directing roles on projects like “The Dark” and “Mutant.” His extensive contributions to the film industry made him a versatile and underrated figure in the B-movie genre.
Death and Legacy
John ‘Bud’ Cardos passed away on December 31, 2020, in Acton, California, due to natural causes. He left behind a legacy as a respected figure in low-budget cinema and was appreciated for his work both in front of and behind the camera. His films continue to be celebrated by fans of cult and B-movie genres, highlighting his lasting impact on the industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Nightmare in Wax | 1969-05-14 | Det. Sgt. Bud Carver |
| The Female Bunch | 1971-09-01 | Mexican Farmer (uncredited) |
| Horror of the Blood Monsters | 1970-02-01 | Vampire Caveman (uncredited) |
| Hell’s Bloody Devils | 1970-05-28 | Bloody Devil |
| Satan’s Sadists | 1969-06-01 | Firewater |
| Five Bloody Graves | 1969-10-31 | Joe Lightfoot / Setago |
| The Road Hustlers | 1968-01-01 | Chandler |
| Blood of Dracula’s Castle | 1969-10-05 | Prison Guard |
| Love and Other Stunts | 2018-04-06 | |
| Celluloid Wizards in the Video Wasteland: The Saga of Empire Pictures | Himself | |
| Deadwood ’76 | 1965-06-30 | Hawk Russell |
| Hells Angels on Wheels | 1967-06-01 | |
| Blood & Flesh: The Reel Life & Ghastly Death of Al Adamson | 2019-08-23 | |
| Death Dimension | 1978-07-01 | Driver Henchman (uncredited) |
| Rebel Rousers | 1970-04-01 | Townspeople |
| Breaking Point | 1976-06-02 | Fleming |
| The Las Vegas Strangler | 1968-03-15 | Joe |