Sid Haig, born Sidney Eddie Mosesian on July 14, 1939, in Fresno, California, was a towering figure with a commanding presence. He was of Armenian descent, and his parents, Roxy (Mooradian) and Haig Mosesian, an electrician, encouraged his early interest in the performing arts. At the age of seven, Sid began dancing for pay in children's Christmas shows and vaudeville performances, which eventually led to a career in music. He formed a band, the T-Birds, and released the single "Full House" in 1958.
Sid's interest in acting began in high school, where he was encouraged by drama department head Alice Merrill. His big break came when a Hollywood producer, Dennis Morgan, selected him for a role in a senior play, leading to a scholarship to the prestigious Pasadena Playhouse. After two years of intense training, Sid moved to Hollywood, where he began his acting career in student films, including Jack Hill's "The Host" (1960).
Sid's early credits include appearances in low-budget exploitation films and high-priced action films, such as "Spider Baby" (1967),"Coffy" (1973),and "Foxy Brown" (1974). He also worked with notable directors, including George Lucas and Roger Corman. His television credits include appearances on popular shows like "The A-Team," "T.J. Hooker," "The Dukes of Hazzard," and "Charlie's Angels."
After nearly 40 years of acting, Sid retired from the industry in 1992, citing frustration with being typecast. However, he was coaxed out of retirement by Quentin Tarantino, who wrote a role for him in "Jackie Brown" (1997). Sid continued to work in theater and eventually returned to acting with a role in Rob Zombie's "House of 1000 Corpses" (2003). His portrayal of Captain Spaulding earned him critical acclaim and several awards.
Sid continued to work with Rob Zombie, appearing in "The Devil's Rejects" (2005) and other films. He also enjoyed success in the horror genre, earning induction into the Horror Hall of Fame and winning several awards for his performances. Sid Haig passed away on September 21, 2019, at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy as a talented and versatile actor.
