George Eastman, the iconic figure in horror cinema whose real name was Luigi Montefiori, passed away on Tuesday, May 19, at the age of 83. His family confirmed that the Italian actor succumbed to his declining health at the “Gemelli Curae” clinic in Rome. Standing at an impressive 6’9”, Eastman transitioned from a rugby player to a celebrated actor and screenwriter, leaving a lasting mark in spaghetti westerns and horror films. His close collaboration with renowned Italian horror director Joe D’Amato resulted in unforgettable work, including acting and writing credits for films like “Absurd” and “Red Blood,” both released in 1981.
Eastman’s acting prowess shone through in his role as a villain in Mario Bava’s intense road thriller “Rabid Dogs.” From the 1990s onwards, he focused primarily on television, contributing as a screenwriter to series such as “La squadra,” “Il maresciallo Rocca,” “Il cuore nel pozzo,” and “Uno bianca.” He also worked on popular melodramas like “L’onore e il rispetto” and “Il peccato e la vergogna.”
In 1990, he expanded his creative pursuits by directing the science fiction horror film “DNA – Formula letale,” which earned him the top prize at the Avoriaz Film Festival.
Following the news of his passing, tributes poured in from fans worldwide. One admirer expressed on Facebook, “A genuine legend of Euro Horror, Sci-Fi, Western & Exploitation cinema. RIP Sir.” Another fan reflected, “RIP greatest actor… I like his roles in Ben and Charlie… Django kills slowly… Viva Django… Boot Hill… Man Eater.”
Another added: “RIP greatest actor… I like his roles in Ben and Charlie… Django kills slowly… Viva Django… Boot Hill… Man Eater.”
A third chimed in: “We’re saddened by the passing of George Eastman: actor, screenwriter, and a genuine giant of Italian cinema. His story for Keoma (1976) remains one of the genre’s finest. A talent whose contribution ran deeper than most realised. RIP.”
A fourth penned: “I must have seen at least fifteen films with him in!! What a legend.”
A fifth shared: “Very sad to hear about the passing of EuroHorror legend George Eastman, the Anthropophagous beast himself. RIP George and thanks for all the films.”
Meanwhile a sixth lamented: “If you love your Italian movies, especially those of Joe D’Amato, and horror or westerns there’s sad news that Luigi Montefiori aka George Eastman has passed away today aged 83. RIP Big Man!”
He is survived by his wife, Manuela, his three children, Evelina, 36, Arianna, 31, and Tommaso and his two grandchildren, Giulio, aged 4 months, the son of his eldest daughter, Evelina; and Allegra, aged 2 months, the daughter of Arianna and Mattia Briga.