Robert z'dar height

The instantly recognisable movie actor Robert Z'Dar, who found cult stardom through roles like the titular villain in the Maniac Cop series, has died. He was 64.

Born Robert Zdarsky in Chicago in 1950, his extraordinary jaw was the result of Acromegaly, but he was able to turn his unique appearance to a career advantage, racking up well over a hundred screen appearances.

Z'Dar's love of acting began in high school, and he studied the craft (and played football) at Arizona State University, receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

Following stints on the Chicago police force and as a musician - his band Nova Express opened for Jefferson Airplane and The Who - he finally scored his first screen role in the crime cheapie Flesh And Bullets in 1985.

His imposing 6'2" frame (he actually danced as a Chippendale for a short while) lumbered through half a dozen more obscure genre titles until he landed his signature role as Maniac Cop