Sydney Lassick was an American actor best known for his role as Charlie Cheswick in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” along with appearances in “Carrie” and “Deep Cover.” Born on July 23, 1922, in Chicago, Illinois, he was notable for his distinctive character acting style and high-pitched voice.
Personal and Family Life
Sydney Lassick was born to Jewish Russian immigrant parents. He graduated from the Pasadena Playhouse School for Performing Arts and began his acting career in films and TV in the late 1950s. Despite his success in acting, he worked as a dispatcher for a trucking company, believing that acting jobs were unpredictable. He had an older sister who survived him.
Career Highlights
Lassick became famous for playing neurotic and comedic roles, often portraying characters with a quirky disposition. His performance as Charlie Cheswick in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” remains iconic, alongside his roles as Mr. Fromm in “Carrie” and Ernest Keller in “The Unseen.” Over his career, he appeared in many TV series, including “The X-Files” and “Barney Miller.”
Death and Legacy
Sydney Lassick passed away on April 12, 2003, at the age of 80 due to complications from diabetes in Los Angeles, California. His contributions to film and television continue to be remembered, particularly for his memorable character roles that showcased his unique talent.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest | 1975-11-19 | Charlie Cheswick |
| Carrie | 1976-11-03 | Mr. Fromm |
| Deep Cover | 1992-04-15 | Gopher |
| The Unseen | 1980-09-01 | Ernest Keller |
| Something to Sing About | 2000-06-10 | Elderly Man |
| History of the World: Part I | 1981-06-12 | Applecore Vendor – The French Revolution |
| Sinderella and the Golden Bra | 1964-12-16 | Fairy Godfather |
| Night Court | 1984-01-04 | Leo |
| The X-Files | 1993-09-10 | Chuck Forsch |
| Freeway | 1996-08-23 | Woody Wilson |
| Tom and Jerry: The Movie | 1992-10-01 | Straycatcher #2 (voice) |