was an American actor best known as playing the Gill-man. In the 1954 horror film Creature from the Black Lagoon. A distant relative of fellow actor Branscombe Richmond. He also appeared in Wake of the Red Witch.
At age 12 or 13. Veteran of the Korean War. He was believed to have earned a Silver Star. For battle injuries in his legs.
The Marine Corps Times reports that, "according to Marine Corps officials and a copy of Chapmans military Report of Separation", Chapman did received the Silver Star, Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts. Before he became the Creature he worked as a real estate executive.
Chapman was selected as the Gill Man due to his large size at 6'5. His famous suit was made out of a foam-rubber body suit and a large-lipped headpiece. He cited horror film predecessors Lon Chaney Sr. In "Phantom of the Opera" and "Hunchback of Notre Dame" in the 1920s, Bela Lugosi. In "Dracula" and Boris Karloff. In "Frankenstein" in the 1930s, and Lon Chaney Jr.
His son Ben Chapman III stated that he had... Heart problems [and] breathing problems. Other survivors include his wife of 25 years, self proclaimed "Mrs Creature" Merrilee Kazarian; another son, Grant Chapman; stepdaughter Elyse Maree Raljevich; sister Moea (Harry) Baty; and "several" nieces and nephews. Chapman's ashes are to be scattered off Waikiki. Ilene Wong, co-producer along with Wayne Maeda of the Hawai'i All-Collectors Show which Chapman attended from 19992007, said that he was.
Always very happy and so giving. People would ask him about the movie, or Hollywood, and he would always provide the answers, help out.
Ben would bring his briefcase and inside he had his memorabilia posters, 8-by-10 glossies and a good pen for autographs. In fact, we expected him this year. I think we will make a shrine for him.
The word, "MCVIKES" will not appear on your photo. This autographed photo was placed inside a plastic page, the label was placed on top of the plastic page and this photo was then scanned. Lifetime guarantee in regards to this autographed photo which also comes with a COA from Gearhart Enterprises, Inc. Be sure to check out our other auctions.
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- Size: 8x10
- Autograph Type: Entertainment: Originals
- Category: Autographed Photos
- Product Type: Autographed Photos
- Movie: Creature from the Black Lagoon
- Original/Reproduction: Original
- Signed by: Ben Chapman
- Object Type: Autographed 8x10 Photo
- Autograph Authentication: Gearhart Enterprises, Inc.