Actor Rick Ducommun, Who Starred in The 'Burbs, Die Hard and Groundhog Day, Dies at 62

Actor and comedian Rick Ducommun, best known for his roles in movies like The ‘Burbs, Die Hard and Groundhog Day, has died at the age of 62, his family said Thursday.

His brother, Peter Ducommun, told the Associated Press that the actor died on June 12 at a hospital in Vancouver, Canada, after suffering complications from diabetes.

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After The ‘Burbs in 1989, which became a cult classic, Ducommun was featured in Gremlins 2: The New Batch, the Bill Murray hit Groundhog Day and Ghost in the Machine.

He rose to prominence in the early ’80s as a comedian, writer and actor. His first TV series was a show called Zig Zag. Roles then followed in Slickers, Amazing Stories, Rock ‘N’ America, Murphy Brown and The Last Precinct, among others.

Ducommun also held small parts in films, starting with No Small Affair. After losing more than 200 lbs., he landed the role of Art Weingartner, the nosy neighbor to Tom Hanks in The ‘Burbs. While his work was well-liked, the movie was not a success and Ducommun found himself continuing stand-up comedy with occasional film work. He had an appearance in Blank Check and also acted in Little Monsters, Spaceballs, The Hunt for Red October, The Experts, The Last Boy Scout, Encino Man, Last Action Hero and Scary Movie.

Ducommun was also a regular performer on the Comedy Channel, which was later renamed Comedy Central. In 1989, HBO produced Rick Ducommun: Piece of Mind, which was well-received, followed by Hit and Run in 1992.

“He was funny, talented and creative,” said Peter Ducommun. “I think what people admired most was his stand-up. He was a comedian’s comedian. Anyone who had the opportunity to see him live, loved his material.”

Ducommun was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. He loved to skateboard. In 1978, he and his brother created Skull Skates, a skateboarding accessories company, which he was very involved in until his career led him to Los Angeles.

Peter Ducommun said his brother lived his later years away from show business in Vancouver.

A private celebration of life is planned at a comedy club in Canada on Saturday, according to The Vancouver Sun.