David S. Cass obit

David S. Cass Sr. Dies: Veteran Stuntman & TV Director Was 78

 

He was not on the list.

David S. Cass Sr., a top stunt coordinator in the 1980s and 1990s, who segued to a directing career, died Aug. 28 in Woodland Hills of complications from cancer. He was 78.

Cass began his movie career as an extra. He transitioned to alternating between acting parts and stunt work, starting with the 1963 John Wayne film McLintock!, on which he performed stunts. He went on to become a sought-after stunt coordinator and second unit director with such credits as Smokey and the Bandit Part 3, Knight Rider 2000, Walker, Texas Ranger and the Desperado TV movie franchise.

Cass later focused on TV directing, becoming a go-to helmer for Hollywood Channel movies with dozens of credits. Additionally, he co-produced Miramax Films’ Texas Rangers (2001) and the Hard Time Burt Reynolds TV movie franchise, also writing one and directing another installment.

 

Filmography as actor 

Year , Title , Role , Notes  

1969, The Good Guys and the Bad Guys, Tuber, Uncredited  

1970, Suppose They Gave a War and Nobody Came, Deputy Dave,  

1970, Dirty Dingus Magee, Trooper #4,  

1972, Enter the Devil, Jase,  

1973, The Boy Who Cried Werewolf, Deputy,  

1974, Earthquake, Sherriff Merle – Slade's Nemesis, Uncredited  

1975, The Master Gunfighter, McDonald,  

1976, Treasure of Matecumbe, Spangler's Man #4,  

1976, Two-Minute Warning, Green's Henchman #2,  

1977, Mr. Billion, Boss Kidnapper,  

1977, The Island of Dr. Moreau, Bearman,  

1977, The Goodbye Girl, Drunk,  

1978, Hot Lead and Cold Feet, Jack,  

1979, The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again, Henchman #2,  

1980, Hotwire, ,  

1980, Heaven's Gate, Moustached Mercenary,  

1982, Tron, Factory Guard,  

1982, Endangered Species, Wes,  

1983, Smokey and the Bandit Part 3, Local Tough Guy,  

1983, Flicks, Lou, (segment "Philip Alien")  

1987, My Demon Lover, Grady's Partner,  

1987, Best Seller, Cop in Depository,