Rest in Peace: William “Chilly Billy” Cardille

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In late June we shared the news that beloved horror host William “Chilly Billy” Cardille was battling cancer, and today we’re sad to inform you that he has passed away.  Over the past couple of days his daughter, Lori Cardille, posted the following via her Facebook account:

July 19… My family promised dad that he could go home to pass. We are transferring dad from the hospital to home. He will be in hospice care. Everytime I tell dad how many letters he is getting he smiles. Although we are so very sad, we know what an amazing life dad had. I told him he was the best father, husband, grandpa and friend, I or anyone could have had. He smiled. I told him he was going home. He smiled. Because of all your prayers, cards, drawings and love, dad is going out with a chariot of angels taking him home. We are taking our daddy home. Love, Lori Cardille

July 21… Our dear father, William Cardille peacefully passed away early this morning in his home, with his family, where he wanted to be. My sister Marea was reading him some of the letters that you all wrote to him. It meant so much to him. I knew it would. From the bottom of our hearts, my sister Marea, my brother Billy and our beautiful mother Louise thank you. We will miss him terribly but take comfort in the fact that as he said, “I am at peace. I had a wonderful life.” As he signed off on Chiller Theatre he always said, “Good night and sleep warm.” Sleep warm daddy.

Cardille (87), a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, television staple, had hosted everything from wrestling to the famed “Chiller Theater,” which aired from 1963 until its cancellation in 1983. He’s also appeared in 1968’s Night of the Living Dead, in which he played the on-the-scene reporter.

We here at Dread Central send Lori and her family our sincere condolences.  Bill may be gone, but as evidenced by the outpouring of support during his illness, he will never be forgotten.

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