Sad news to report as it’s come out that New York-based horror host John Zacherle, aka “Zacherley”, has passed away at the age of 98.
Zacherle was a longtime member of the horror community, having started his career as the host of Philadelphia station WCAU’s Shock Theater in 1957. He played the undertaker “Roland”, who, with his laboratory assistant Igor, would interrupt horror films to do parodies and gags based on the film itself. He also recorded the novelty song “Dinner with Drac” in 1958, a track that would break into the top ten national songs.
After WCAU was purchased by CBS, Zacherle relocated to New York’s WABC-TV and continued his format while also appearing in motion pictures. Later, in 1988 he appeared as the voice of “Aylmer” in the sci-fi/horror film Brain Damage, from director Frank Henenlotter.
Zacherle was also a radio jock for several years, including a stint as a night broadcaster for prog rock tracks. [Editor’s note: I would’ve loved to have hung out with this guy, even just once.]
In 2010, the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia inducted John Zacherle into their Hall of Fame.
We send our condolences to his friends and family. We also send our thanks to someone who so lovingly embraced and lived the horror lifestyle for as long as he did.