What we have here is the end of an era. One of the few remaining famed original horror movie hosts, John Zacherle, known affectionately to fans as Zacherley, The Cool Ghoul, has passed on at the age of 98! That’s quite a run, and we’re all a lot creepier as a result of his illustrious career!

Zacherley was an American television host, radio personality, and voice actor known for his long career as a television horror host broadcasting horror movies in Philadelphia and New York City in the 1950s and 1960s. Best known for his character “Roland/Zacherley,” he also did voice work for movies and recorded the top ten novelty rock and roll song “Dinner with Drac” in 1958. He also edited two collections of horror stories, Zacherley’s Vulture Stew and Zacherley’s Midnight Snacks.

To say that he was an icon is a bit of an understatement. This man, this wonderful man, was a force of nature who lived it up with fans well into his 90s. There will never be another like him, and we were lucky to have him haunting us for as long as we did.

This Halloween season, don’t be sad. Celebrate him, his legacy, and all that he gave us which we are truly grateful for. The laughs, the chills, and the incredible memories. Hold your glass high, and toast him in the highest regard!

We here at Dread Central would like to take this time to offer our sincerest of condolences to Zacherley’s friends, family, and constituents. You were and always will be the coolest. Thank you, sir. For everything.