Cast & Crew
A cast of mostly first-time and local actors gave the film its raw, documentary-like dread. Here’s who stood between the farmhouse and the dark.
Principal Cast
| Actor | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Duane Jones | Ben | The resourceful hero who takes charge of the farmhouse. A landmark leading role. |
| Judith O’Dea | Barbra | Traumatized after the cemetery attack; the film opens on her ordeal. |
| Karl Hardman | Harry Cooper | The combative father holed up in the cellar; also a producer. |
| Marilyn Eastman | Helen Cooper | Harry’s wife; also worked on makeup and production. |
| Keith Wayne | Tom | A young man sheltering with his girlfriend Judy. |
| Judith Ridley | Judy | Tom’s girlfriend. |
| Kyra Schon | Karen Cooper | The Coopers’ stricken daughter — and one of horror’s most unforgettable images. |
| Russell Streiner | Johnny | Barbra’s brother (“They’re coming to get you, Barbra”); also a producer. |
| S. William Hinzman | Cemetery Ghoul | The very first of the living dead we meet. |
Crew
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| George A. Romero | Director, co-writer, cinematographer, editor |
| John A. Russo | Co-writer |
| Karl Hardman & Russell Streiner | Producers |
| Image Ten | Production company (the ten investors who funded the film) |
George A. Romero would go on to direct Dawn of the Dead (1978), Day of the Dead (1985), and more — building an entire mythology from this single night.