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Entertainment • Actor

Robert Z'Dar

Robert Z'Dar was the stage name of Robert James Zdarsky (1950–2015), an American actor and film producer.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Robert Z'Dar was the stage name of Robert James Zdarsky (1950–2015), an American actor and film producer. He was best known for playing Officer Matt Cordell in the cult horror film Maniac Cop and its sequels, and for frequent appearances in B-movies and genre films. He was credited in more than 100 films.

Early life

Robert James Zdarsky was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1950. Sources report that he later performed under the stage name Robert Z'Dar and studied at Arizona State University.

Acting career

Z'Dar built a long career in low-budget genre films and television, becoming a familiar face in cult cinema. He is most closely associated with the Maniac Cop films and with supporting roles in action and horror productions.

Public image

He was widely recognized for his unusually prominent jawline, which sources attribute to a genetic condition such as cherubism. This distinctive appearance often led to villain roles and made him easily identifiable to audiences.

Death

Z'Dar died on March 30, 2015, in Pensacola, Florida. Reports describe his death as resulting from cardiac arrest.

Key facts

  • He was an American character actor and producer credited in more than 100 films.
  • His best-known role was Officer Matt Cordell in Maniac Cop and its sequels.
  • He also appeared in films such as Tango & Cash and Samurai Cop.
  • Sources describe him as a prolific performer in horror, action, and B-movie productions.
  • He died in 2015 in Pensacola, Florida, at age 64.
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Canadian context

Robert Z'Dar had a cult following in genre cinema, and his films circulated widely on Canadian television, home video, and horror-fan conventions.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Robert Z'Dar?
Robert Z'Dar was the stage name of Robert James Zdarsky, an American actor and film producer best known for Maniac Cop.
What was Robert Z'Dar's most famous role?
He was best known for playing Officer Matt Cordell in Maniac Cop and its sequels.
What kinds of films did he appear in?
He appeared mainly in horror, action, and B-movie productions, along with some television roles.
Why was Robert Z'Dar recognizable?
He was known for a prominent jawline that sources associate with cherubism or another genetic condition.
When did Robert Z'Dar die?
He died on March 30, 2015, at age 64.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Z'Dar
    Supports: Birth name, dates, profession, and best-known role
  2. Television Academyhttps://www.televisionacademy.com/bios/robert-zdar
    Supports: Career overview, notable roles, and death details
  3. TIMEhttps://www.time.com/3766780/robert-zdar-dies-maniac-cop/
    Supports: Death, filmography highlights, and cult-film status
  4. IMDbhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm0120494/
    Supports: Birth details, education, career summary, and film credits