Legendary actor and musician David Kaff, whose portrayal of keyboardist Viv Savage in the iconic mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap earned him cult status, has sent shockwaves through Hollywood with his sudden passing at age 79.
According to Daily Mail, Kaff died peacefully in his sleep on July 11, as announced by his band Mutual of Alameda's Wild Kingdom. The news comes just months before the highly anticipated sequel to the groundbreaking 1984 comedy film is set to release.
Kaff's death was confirmed through a heartfelt statement from his bandmates, who praised his quick wit and kind nature. "David always had a kind word and a quick wit that would slay you where you stand. Then he'd make you smile doing it!" the statement read.
Prior to his breakthrough role in This Is Spinal Tap, Kaff had already established himself as a respected musician in the British rock scene. Born David Kaffinetti, he was a founding member of the progressive rock band Rare Bird from 1969 to 1975.
The band achieved significant success with their 1969 track "Sympathy," which reached number 27 on the charts and sold an impressive one million copies. This early success helped pave the way for Kaff's future endeavors in both music and film.
His musical prowess also led him to collaborate with rock legend Chuck Berry, playing keyboards on the album "The London Chuck Berry Sessions." These experiences would later inform his memorable portrayal of the eccentric keyboardist Viv Savage.
The 1984 mockumentary, directed by Rob Reiner, revolutionized the comedy genre with its satirical take on the rock music industry. Kaff's character became known for his memorable catchphrases, including "Have a good time...all the time" and "Quite exciting, this computer magic!"
The film's influence on popular culture cannot be overstated, earning a remarkable 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes. In 2002, it was selected for preservation by the National Film Registry, with the Library of Congress declaring it "culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant."
This Is Spinal Tap's success led to real-world performances, with the fictional band even appearing on Saturday Night Live in 1984. However, Kaff would depart from the group by the end of that same year.
The timing of Kaff's passing adds a bittersweet note to the upcoming release of Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, scheduled for September 2025. While Kaff did not reprise his role in the sequel, the project has generated significant excitement among fans.
Director Rob Reiner expressed enthusiasm about working with Bleecker Street to preserve Tap's legacy. The studio's executives have described the original film as a "cultural touchstone that pioneered the mockumentary genre."
The sequel will follow the band's reunion after a 15-year hiatus for one final performance, though it will now be tinged with the loss of one of its original members.
David Kaff's passing marks the end of an era in both music and comedy. His journey from progressive rock pioneer to beloved comic actor exemplifies the versatility that made him a unique talent in entertainment.
His contributions to This Is Spinal Tap helped establish a new form of comedy that continues to influence filmmakers today. While he won't be part of the upcoming sequel, his legacy as Viv Savage remains an indelible part of cinema history.
The timing of his death, just months before the release of Spinal Tap II, serves as a poignant reminder of the original film's enduring impact and the talented individuals who brought it to life.
