Robert Z’dar was a B-movie and character actor noted mostly for the “Maniac Cop” slasher series of films. 

He had some smaller roles in bigger films, but regardless of the film’s budget he was an outstanding physical presence. 

Robert had a rare condition, called cherubism, which causes prominence in the lower part of a person’s face.  I didn’t even know this was a thing!  But you’ll see from the pictures here of Robert at the beginning (top right), middle (center) and end (lower left) of his career how his lower face got more and more prominent. 

And you know what?  He considered it a blessing because it gave him a unique look which led him to getting a lot of work.  Robert was popular at fan conventions, and he was literally AT one when he suffered a cardiac arrest, was hospitalized immediately and passed away at that hospital a month later. 

I’m glad that fan appreciation and recognition was his last experience before exiting the world stage.