Variety reports that Michael Pataki has died of cancer at the age of 72. The character actor appeared in numerous films and television episodes, often as a villain, including appearances as Klingons in STAR TREK and STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION. Pataki’s other horror, fantasy, and science fiction credits include THE BAT PEOPLE, THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, THE TWILIGHT ZONE, DEAD AND BURIED, HALLOWEEN 4, BEYOND WESTWORLD, DRACULA’S DOG, THE RETURN OF COUNT YORGA, and BATMAN.
Although most often cast in supporting roles, Pataki gave a memorable lead performance as the loathsome vampire Caleb Croft in the low-budget exploitation cult film GRAVE OF THE VAMPIRE (1974). A far cry from the seductive sophistication of Count Dracula, Pataki effectively played the character as a savage who delighted in making his meals as messy as possible.