Film Historian David Del Valle Passes Away at Age 77

Renowned film historian David Del Valle has passed away at the age of 77 after a battle with esophageal cancer. He died on Wednesday at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, surrounded by loved ones.

Del Valle was known for his extensive contributions to various commentary tracks across laserdisc, DVD, and Blu-ray formats throughout his career. His eclectic work also spanned cable TV interviews under the Sinister Image umbrella, where he engaged with notable figures from the horror genre. These conversations offered a unique glimpse into the lives of industry legends.

The late historian's personal life was as fascinating as his professional accomplishments. He resided just down the street from the Los Angeles apartment where Bela Lugosi, star of the classic film Dracula, tragically passed away in 1956. Del Valle often joked about this eerie coincidence, quipping that "the only way out of Harold Way is apparently feet first."

Del Valle's interviews with horror legends are highly regarded among fans and industry professionals alike. A notable conversation took place in 1987 with the iconic Vincent Price, which remains one of the most substantial interviews the horror icon ever gave.

David Del Valle's body of work extends far beyond his movie commentaries. In addition to writing books like "Lost Horizons Beneath the Hollywood Sign" and "Six Reels Under, he also penned articles for Fangoria magazine and contributed an online column called Camp David for Films in Review.

Del Valle's extensive commentary collection spans over 120 films, featuring titles from prominent companies such as the Criterion Collection, Severin Films, Kino Lorber, Synapse Films, Scream Factory, and Arrow Films. His commentaries provided insightful analysis of cult classics like Count Yorga", "Horrors of Spider Island", and "Suspiria.

Del Valle's personal connections with horror icons are a testament to his passion for the genre. He had a unique ability to weave engaging stories and showcase his wicked sense of humor, leaving an indelible mark on those who knew him.

Born on September 24, 1949, in El Paso, Texas, Del Valle was an only child who developed a love for horror films inspired by the classic Universal monster movies of the 1930s.

Del Valle's family life was marked by frequent moves as his parents divorced, causing him and his mother to relocate to various parts of the country.

As he grew older, Del Valle developed a strong affinity for actor Christopher Lee Price, who became an enduring favorite after repeated visits to the drive-in theater. When Price came to town with a play at 16-year-old Del Valle's high school, he was given the opportunity to interview him for the school newspaper, marking the beginning of a lasting friendship that would continue until Price's passing in 1993.

Del Valle also made appearances on local TV during his teenage years, hosting the popular Creature Features show alongside Bob Wilkins.

After graduating from San Francisco State University, Del Valle interviewed William Lustig, director and producer of Maniac Cop, in 1983. This meeting had a significant impact, as their conversation was featured on the laserdisc edition of the classic vampire film Daughters of Darkness in 1971.

David Del Valle's film career spanned several decades, with notable appearances in From a Whisper to a Scream (1987), Evil Bong 420 (2015), and Puppet Master: Axis Termination (2017). In addition to his on-screen work, he collaborated with the renowned actress Barbara Steele on a 30th anniversary tribute to Dark Shadows, which was released on home video in 1996.

Del Valle's personal life was marked by loss when his longtime partner passed away due to HIV complications in the early 2000s. His legacy will live on through his extensive archives and collection of movie memorabilia, which includes posters, photographs, and rare books. A testament to his enduring impact is reflected in Marino's poignant tribute: A champion of cinema’s outsiders... he was, and will remain, a legend."