Uncle Rico the Werewolf

Jon Gries is widely recognized for his comedic role as Uncle Rico in Napoleon Dynamite (2004), a character so iconic that it’s almost overshadowed the rest of his career. Most audiences remember his portrayal as the delusional ex-football star who desperately wishes to relive his high school glory days, delivering lines that have become instantly quotable. What many don’t realize, however, is that long before Napoleon Dynamite, Gries was a staple of 80s horror and thriller films, frequently meeting gruesome fates. His early career was steeped in roles where he was killed off by everything from aliens to werewolves, a stark contrast to his Uncle Rico persona. This lesser-known aspect of his filmography highlights his versatility and dedication as an actor, going from intense, often dark roles to lighthearted, eccentric characters seamlessly.

For horror fans, Gries is remembered for his chilling on-screen demises in cult classics like TerrorVision and Fright Night Part 2, where he faced off against terrifying monsters and supernatural threats. His characters often met grisly ends, be it being devoured by an alien or falling to his death, which cemented his status as a familiar face in the genre. It’s a surprising career arc that most audiences wouldn't associate with the same actor who brought Uncle Rico to life. Gries' career demonstrates a wide range that stretches far beyond comedy, into realms of horror and thriller genres, where he played his parts with a compelling intensity that left a mark on the cult horror scene. In retrospect, his journey from horror staple to beloved comedic icon reflects his ability to embrace and excel in varied and challenging roles throughout his career.

Here’s a cleaned-up and organized timeline of Jon Gries' film and TV character deaths:

Film Deaths

1. TerrorVision (1986) - [O.D.]: Devoured by the alien Beast.

2. The Monster Squad (1987) - [Desperate Man]: Killed by Ryan Lambert's character, who shoots him with a silver bullet after a grenade fails to kill him. He dies after reverting to human form from a werewolf.

3. Number One With a Bullet (1987) - [Bobby Sweet]: Falls to his death after the rope supporting him is cut by Michael Goodwin, causing him to plunge from a skyscraper.

4. Fright Night Part 2 (1988) - [Louie]: Shot in the chest with a crossbow bolt by Roddy McDowall's character while in wolf form, leading to his fall from a high-rise window into a fountain. He dies after transforming back into his human form.

5. Kill Me Again (1989) - [Alan Swayzie]: Throat slit by Michael Madsen's character.

6. Ed and His Dead Mother (1993) - [Rob Sundheimer]: Hacked to death with a chainsaw by a zombie (played by Miriam Margolyes).

7. Get Shorty (1995) - [Ronnie Wingate]: Shot repeatedly in the chest, stomach, and throat during a shootout with Dennis Farina. Dennis's character frames Gene Hackman’s character to make it appear as self-defense.

8. The Rundown (2003) - [Harvey]: Killed off-screen during a shootout, likely by Dwayne Johnson or one of the rebels.

9. Faults (2014) - [Terry]: Beaten to death with a book by Leland Orser's character in a motel room. His body is later seen when Mary Elizabeth Winstead's character reenters the room.

TV Deaths

1. The Twilight Zone: Shelter Skelter (1987) - [Nick Gatlin]: Dies off-screen from radiation poisoning after leaving Joe Mantegna’s bomb shelter. His skeleton is found outside the shelter, confirming his death.

2. 24: Day 2: 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (2002) - [Joseph Wald]: Commits suicide by shooting himself in the head to avoid going back to prison, after being cornered by Kiefer Sutherland's character.

3. Lost: The Man Behind the Curtain (2007) - [Roger Linus]: Poisoned when his son (Michael Emerson) releases nerve gas during the Purge, eliminating the DHARMA Initiative. His mummified remains appear in an earlier episode set in the present day.

4. Cold Case: Bullet (2010) - [Bill Shepard]: Seen committing suicide by shooting himself in the head in a flashback. His decomposed body is found in a previous episode. He later appears as a ghost/figment to his son in the current timeline.

5. Nikita: Dark Matter (2010) - [The Engineer]: Neck broken by Xander Berkeley’s character after being strangled.

6. Criminal Minds: The Road Home (2014) - [Clifford Walsh]: Commits suicide by shooting himself under the chin after realizing he has mistakenly killed another character. The act shocks those witnessing it, including characters portrayed by Jeanne Tripplehorn and Matthew Gray Gubler.