Horror Film Icon Ben Chapman passed away on February 21st, 2008, he was 79. Ben was born October 29th, 1928, in Oakland Ca., during a visit by his parents
who were residents of Tahiti where he was raised until his family moved to San Francisco. Ben later became a resident of Honolulu Hawaii with his wife of 25 years
Merrilee Kazarian (Mrs. Creature). His son Ben the III said; "He had been suffering heart and breathing problems". Ben was a decorated (Silver & Bronze stars, 2 Purple Hearts)
Korean War veteran (U.S. Marine Corps) & real estate executive & was always a fan favorite for having played the Gill Man as a young 24 year old contract player
for Universal Pictures. He was chosen to play the creature because of his height, 6'5". Ben was a treat at film conventions that his fans looked for every year.
He was recognized by all for his professionalism, kindness & generosity, & truly loved interacting with his fans, especially the little ones.
Never appearing to be in a hurry, he loved answering their questions & always had a briefcase full of his memorabilia, as well as a quick hand for signing autographs.
I personally was contacted via email by Ben some years ago, when he evidently noticed an inaccuracy in one of my write ups for a photo I was offering from the film.
He provided me with a wealth of info on the making of 'all' the creature films & his participation in the original.
"I have never been reprimanded & enjoyed it so much as then!" He followed by sending me his 'Gillman card' a free autograph, & a copy of his Universal contract, Wow...

Chapman was a great fan of film, citing Lon Chaney Sr's "Phantom of the Opera", & "The Hunchback of Notre Dame", Bela Lugosi's "Dracula",
Boris Karloff as "Frankenstein" & "The Mummy", & (Creighton- Lon Chaney Jr). in "The Wolf Man" as inspirations. He certainly has his place beside these immortals
for his role as the Gillman & certainly will be missed~