David Huffman

David Oliver Huffman was an American actor and producer whose career spanned the dynamic years of late‑1960s American theater and television. Born on May 10, 1945 in Berwyn, Illinois to Clarence and Opal Huffman, he discovered his love for performance while studying at Webster University in St. Louis, where he also met his future wife, casting director Phyllis Huffman. After graduating, Huffman made his Broadway debut as Don Baker in the celebrated play Butterflies Are Free (1969‑1972), a role that earned him critical notice and launched a series of stage and screen opportunities. He quickly became a familiar face on the New York and later Los Angeles stages, appearing in productions such as Of Mice and Men at the Old Globe Theatre, and he transitioned to television with guest spots and recurring roles, most notably preparing for the ambitious miniseries North and South before his untimely death. Throughout his career, Huffman demonstrated a versatile talent, moving fluidly between dramatic lead parts and supporting character work, and he also cultivated a reputation as a diligent producer, helping to shepherd several projects from script to stage. His personal life was marked by a strong partnership with Phyllis, whom he married in 1967; together they raised two sons and shared a love for sailing, painting, and country‑and‑western guitar playing, reflecting a well‑rounded and creative household.

Tragically, Huffman's life ended in violent circumstances on February 27, 1985 in San Diego, California. While visiting the Old Globe Theatre to share cookies with cast and crew, he intervened in a confrontation at Balboa Park, chasing a 16‑year‑old suspect who had stolen a radio. The encounter escalated, and Huffman was fatally stabbed with a screwdriver, dying from exsanguination within minutes. His body was discovered in a Palm Canyon crevice, and the perpetrator, Genaro Samano Villanueva, was later apprehended and sentenced to a lengthy prison term. Huffman's death shocked the acting community, leaving a legacy of dedication to his craft and a reminder of the unpredictable fragility of life.