Karl Schanzer was an American actor who is best known for Spider Baby, Dementia 13, and Blood Bath. He had a diverse career that spanned acting, screenwriting, and working in Hollywood executive roles.
Personal and Family Life
Karl David Schanzer was born on November 25, 1932, in Hartford, Connecticut. He attended Los Angeles City College, where he lived with future stars James Coburn and Robert Vaughn. He was married to Marilyn until his death in 2014, and they had two sons, Adam and Aaron.
Career
Schanzer had a memorable but brief acting career, known especially for his role as the shady lawyer Mr. Schlocker in the cult classic Spider Baby. He also had a side job as a private detective, which inspired Francis Ford Coppola’s film The Conversation. Later, he transitioned from acting to work as a reader for Paramount and became a creative executive at 20th Century Fox.
Death and Legacy
Karl Schanzer passed away on May 25, 2014, in Studio City, California, at the age of 81. His contributions to film and television are remembered, particularly his involvement in significant projects and his connections to notable filmmakers.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Spider Baby | 1967-12-24 | Schlocker |
| Dementia 13 | 1963-09-25 | Simon |
| Blood Bath | 1966-03-02 | Max |
| Tonight for Sure | 1962-08-09 | Benjamin Jabowski |
| The Hatching of Spider Baby | 2007-01-01 | Himself |