John "Bud" Cardos
Biography
John Bud Cardos was an American actor, stuntman, and film director born on December 20, 1929, in St. Louis, Missouri. His family had professional roots in the entertainment industry, as his father and uncle managed Grauman's Egyptian and Chinese theatres. Throughout his career, Cardos held various roles in film production, including producer, production manager, stunt coordinator, assistant director, and special effects technician. He is recognized for directing films such as The Dark, Legends of the West, Kingdom of the Spiders, and Night Shadows. His professional credits also include work on The Wild Bunch. Cardos died at the age of 91. Sources provide conflicting information regarding his date of death, citing either December 31, 2020, or March 4, 2021.
Career overview
John Bud Cardos was an American filmmaker whose career encompassed roles as a director, actor, stuntman, producer, and production manager. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, on December 20, 1929, he maintained a connection to the entertainment industry through his family, as his father and uncle managed Grauman's Egyptian and Chinese theatres. His professional background was notably versatile, involving work in special effects, stunt coordination, second unit direction, and production consulting.
As a director, Cardos is recognized for his work on several feature films. His directorial credits include the 1979 film The Dark and the 1992 production Legends of the West. Other projects associated with his career include The Wild Bunch, Kingdom of the Spiders, and Night Shadows. Throughout his professional life, he also served as an associate producer, assistant director, and driver. Cardos died at the age of 91. Sources provide conflicting information regarding his date of death, citing either December 31, 2020, or March 4, 2021.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
51 titles- Blood & Flesh: The Reel Life & Ghastly Death of Al Adamson (2019)
- Love and Other Stunts (2018)
- Storm Catcher (1999) Driver
- Legends of the West (1992) Director
- Outlaw of Gor (1988) Director
- Act of Piracy (1988) Director
- Skeleton Coast (1988) Director
- Last Resort (1986) Stunt Coordinator
- Night Shadows (1984) Director
- The Day Time Ended (1980) Director
- The Dark (1979) Director
- The Dark (1979) Producer
- Death Dimension (1978) as Driver Henchman (uncredited)
- Death Dimension (1978) Stunt Coordinator
- Kingdom of the Spiders (1977) Director
- Charge of the Model T's (1977) Special Effects
- Breaking Point (1976) as Fleming
- Black Samurai (1976) Associate Producer
- The Werewolf of Woodstock (1975) Production Consultant
- Kitty Can't Help It (1975) Second Unit Director
- Sunday in the Country (1974) Special Effects
- Dead of Night (1974) Production Manager
- House of Terror (1973) Second Unit Director
- Lash of Lust (1972) Stunts
- Lash of Lust (1972) Production Manager
- Drag Racer (1972) Director
- The Female Bunch (1971) as Mexican Farmer (uncredited)
- The Female Bunch (1971) Assistant Director
- The Female Bunch (1971) Stunts
- The Female Bunch (1971) Production Manager
- Horror of the Blood Monsters (1970) as Vampire Caveman (uncredited)
- The Red, White, and Black (1970) Director
- Rebel Rousers (1970) as Townspeople
- Hell's Bloody Devils (1970) as Bloody Devil
- The Wild Bunch (1969) Stunts
- The Wild Bunch (1969) Second Unit Director
- Blood of Dracula's Castle (1969) as Prison Guard
- Blood of Dracula's Castle (1969) Production Manager
- Five Bloody Graves (1969) as Joe Lightfoot / Setago
- Five Bloody Graves (1969) Associate Producer
- Five Bloody Graves (1969) Production Manager
- Satan's Sadists (1969) as Firewater
- Nightmare in Wax (1969) as Det. Sgt. Bud Carver
- Nightmare in Wax (1969) Production Manager
- Psych-Out (1968) Stunts
- The Las Vegas Strangler (1968) as Joe (as John Cardos)
- The Las Vegas Strangler (1968) Stunts
- The Road Hustlers (1968) as Chandler
- Hells Angels on Wheels (1967)
- Deadwood '76 (1965) as Hawk Russell
- Celluloid Wizards in the Video Wasteland: The Saga of Empire Pictures as Self
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is John "Bud" Cardos best known for?
John "Bud" Cardos is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Storm Catcher (1999), Outlaw of Gor (1988), Dance Moms (2011), The Day Time Ended (1980).
When and where was John "Bud" Cardos born?
John "Bud" Cardos was born on December 20, 1929 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. They passed away on March 4, 2021.
How many credits does John "Bud" Cardos have?
John "Bud" Cardos has accumulated over 51 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1965 to 2019.
What is John "Bud" Cardos's background in cinema and television?
John Bud Cardos was an American actor, stuntman, and film director born on December 20, 1929, in St. Louis, Missouri. His family had professional roots in the entertainment industry, as his father and uncle managed Grauman's Egyptian and Chinese theatres. Throughout his career, Cardos held various roles in film product...
John "Bud" Cardos by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- Hells Angels on Wheels (1967) — aged about 37
- Death Dimension (1978) as Driver Henchman (uncredited) — aged about 48
- Five Bloody Graves (1969) as Joe Lightfoot / Setago — aged about 39
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