By Geno McGahee
The bad news just came in that Don Leifert had passed. Many of you may not know who he is, but those of you that are fans of the low budget horror/sci-fi world most certainly do. Don Dohler, a Maryland filmmaker, made his first movie in 1976, called “THE ALIEN FACTOR,” a very low budget movie that became a classic, and this was the first appearance of Don Leifert.
Leifert was a trained actor and he stood out, and Dohler was aware of this and put him in many lead roles, including my personal favorite of “Custer” in GALAXY INVADER. The quirky character worked well in Dohler’s film, but the most memorable performance was in FIEND.
FIEND featured Leifert in the lead role. The character was very serious and sinister and Leifert played it well, a big difference from the funny depiction of Custer. FIEND is the best film in the Dohler collection and that is due in large part to Leifert’s portrayal of “Mr. Longfellow,” and Dohler’s realization of his actor’s talents.
Dohler also brought Leifert into his other films “NIGHTBEAST” and “CRAWLER,” but his acting career would exclusive to the Dohler titles. He would become a teacher at Towson High School. He taught English for 35 years, Theater for 25 years, and Trial Advocacy for four years.
As a filmmaker, I had always had the intention to bring Leifert into an X Posse Production, but unfortunately it will never happen. Thankfully, he has left behind several quality movies with memorable performances that will live on forever. As I once discovered as a youth, other youngsters will find the Dohler films and Leifert will live again.
Scared Stiff sends our condolences to the Leifert family and those that knew him personally.
As a student of Mr. Leifert for four years, I am deeply saddened by this news. Thank you for this touching tribute to one of the best, and certainly the most memorable, teachers I have ever had. His passion and dedication tp his craft was evident through his lessons and his films are a cornerstone of horror films everywhere. May he live on forever on film, and in our hearts.
Thanks for commenting….Leifert was great and I have heard nothing but great things about him on a personal level. I thought it was a bad thing that he didn’t find his way into more movies, but the more I encounter his former students, I realize that he probably made the right decision to teach rather than continue to make flicks.