Horror fans were first introduced to actor Danny Hicks in the late 1980s, making his debut appearance on screen as Jake in Sam Raimi’s Evil Dead II. Hicks finished out the ’80s with a memorable starring role in the supermarket-set slasher Intruder, also appearing in Maniac Cop just one year prior. Hicks later appeared in Darkman, Wishmaster and My Name is Bruce.
We’ve learned the sad news today that Hicks, just 68 years old, has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, and his convention manager is asking horror fans to pitch in and help.
Hicks posted on Facebook, “To all of the people that I never got to meet, and the 6,018 die hard fans that enjoyed my work. I have some bad news. I have been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. I have approximately 1 to 3 years to live. But I gotta tell ya, I sure as hell packed a whole bunch of living into my 68 years. I got no change coming back that’s for sure. And not too many regrets. Ok, gotta go. I’m gunna find out just what in the hell is going on down in that fruit cellar.”
To help pay for Danny’s medical bills, Dominic Mancini has launched a fundraiser over on Go Fund Me, along with the opportunity to donate and receive an autograph from the actor.
Mancini explains, “Danny is not one to ask for charity, but with that, he brings yet another opportunity to his fans. His days of traveling to conventions are in the past, but he has agreed to partake in one last autograph signing for those fans who never got the chance to get one in person. Whether you need him on a cast piece that you have, or want a signed 8×10 photo, we have your back! Full Empire Promotions will be putting up an online store, where 100% of the proceeds will go to help Danny with his medical expenses.”
“The store will have the option to buy a signed photo or send in your own item to be signed. The store will be live at www.FullEmpirePromotions.com starting June 4th. The signing will take place early/mid July and all orders will be due by July 6th. This is the last time you will be able to obtain Danny’s autograph personally from him,” Mancini adds.
If you’ve enjoyed Hicks’ work over the years – and who among us hasn’t? – and you’ve got anything to give, please do consider it. And be sure to share the info with your fellow fans.
We’re a family here in the horror community and we need to take care of our own.