Wally Campo, star of original Little Shop of Horrors, dies three months shy of 100th birthday

Actor Wally Campo has passed away at the age of 99, three months shy of his 100th birthday.

The Hollywood veteran was best known for starring and narrating the 1960 original film Little Shop of Horrors, which later became a worldwide phenomenon when it was adapted into a musical.

In the film, he played Sergeant Joe Fink, one of the cops who attempts to uncover the core secret of the film. 

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Campo’s son, musician Tony Campodonico, told The Hollywood Reporter that the actor died of natural causes in Studio City, California, earlier this month on January 14.

Before being drawn to the lights of Hollywood, Campo – born Joseph Campodonico – served during World War II and fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima, an epic stand-off between the US Marines and US Navy and the Imperial Japanese Army.

After the war, Campo returned to California where he attended the College Of The Pacific and embarked on an acting career.

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Campo went on to appear in various films throughout his career, including Beast From Haunted Cave, Hell Squad, Tank Commandos and The Strangler. His acting credits also include Edward Dmytryk’s Warlock, Master of the World and Shock Corridor.

The actor also tried his hand at directing in Africa, India and the US, and was at the helm of documentaries such as Mark of the Gun. 

The actor is survived by his wife, actress Geraldine Matthews, son Tony, daughter-in-law Cheryl, and grandchildren Jade and Laurena.

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