Randal Malone, an actor known for his unique charm, died at the age of 66. He passed away at Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Van Nuys, California after a fight with kidney disease, according to his family.
Malone was born on May 29, 1958, in Owensboro, Kentucky. His early life hinted at his future interest in the entertainment industry. In 1972, he started his acting career with a minor role in “The Marshall of Windy Hollow,” where he shared the screen with Western film icons Ken Maynard and Tex Ritter.
Following his graduation from Murray State University with a theater degree, Malone started his stage career. His debut role in “Annie Get Your Gun” was well-received and marked the beginning of his journey into the world of theater. His talent eventually took him to Los Angeles, California, where he made a name for himself in the entertainment industry.
Malone’s career took off in the 1990s, thanks to his role in MTV’s dating show “Singled Out.” Portraying a male version of Norma Desmond from “Sunset Boulevard” as “Film Star Randal Malone,” he won the hearts of the audience. Chris Hardwick, one of the show’s hosts, praised Malone’s character as one of the show’s most amusing aspects.
In addition to his television work, Malone was a well-known figure in low-budget film, especially in the horror genre. Some of his notable film credits include “The Triggerman” (1997), “Vampire Femmes” (1999), and “Dahmer vs. Gacy” (2010). Malone’s passion for acting was clear when he stated, “Being given the opportunity to act in a film is one of the greatest blessings. I savor every chance I get to play such a game.”
Apart from his acting career, Malone was an active participant in Hollywood’s philanthropic works. He served as the president of the Southern California Motion Picture Council from 2004, making significant contributions to the group’s charity efforts. His work for the Motion Picture and TV Fund, and his collaboration with Johnny Grant, the unofficial “Mayor of Hollywood,” to secure stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, was well-recognized.
Malone’s personal life was as intriguing as his professional one. He developed friendships with Hollywood’s Golden Age celebrities like Lucille Ball and Ann Miller. His extensive collection of Hollywood memorabilia, including rare photographs of stars, showcased his deep love for the history of the industry. Malone once said, “I know more than any of the other so-called ‘experts’ about old Hollywood because I didn’t read or write about it; I lived it.”
Malone is survived by his mother, Shirley; his brothers, Donald and James; his sister, Allison; and his partner of 38 years, Michael Schwibs.