C.W. Morgan, who played the father of one of horror’s most notorious killers in “Scream,” has died. The actor portrayed Hank Loomis, Billy Loomis’ dad, in the original film, giving fans a memorable police station scene and a family secret that helped set the bloodshed in motion.Morgan died over the summer in Los Angeles County. His cause and manner of death remain unclear. His daughter has since shared a heartbreaking goodbye, remembering their Starbucks outings, Mulholland drives, and the “poorly timed jokes” she inherited from him.

TMZ reported Morgan’s death after reviewing Medical Examiner records. The records indicate that he died in a bathroom in Los Angeles County on August 30. The report did not include further details about the circumstances of his death.

His cause and manner of death are currently unclear.

Morgan Played Billy Loomis’ Father In The Original ‘Scream’

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Morgan portrayed Hank Loomis in the original “Scream,” placing him at the center of the movie’s killer reveal. Hank was a prominent lawyer and the father of Billy Loomis (Skeet Ulrich), one of the killers behind Ghostface.

Morgan’s most recognizable scene came when police questioned Billy. Hank arrived to vouch for his son, stepping into the station as a father defending him amid the investigation. The role was relatively brief, but Hank’s history became an important part of the story as the film revealed the secrets connecting the Loomis family to Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell).

Since the original “Scream” debuted in 1996, Ghostface has returned for six sequels, bringing the horror franchise to seven movies with the release of “Scream 7” in February 2026. And Ghostface isn’t finished yet. “Scream 8” is already in development, with “Poker Face” writers Lilla and Nora Zuckerman working on the screenplay, although a release date has yet to be announced.

Hank Loomis’ Affair Helped Set The Horror Story In Motion

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Hank’s connection to Sidney’s family went far beyond his son’s relationship with her. He had a secret extramarital affair with Sidney’s mother, Maureen Prescott. The affair broke up the Loomis family and fueled Billy’s anger.

Hank was also the ex-husband of Billy’s mother, Nancy Loomis (Laurie Metcalf), making him part of the fractured family history behind Billy’s murderous actions.

Morgan was also seen in a flashback in “Scream 3.”

C.W. Morgan’s Daughter Remembers Their Everyday Traditions

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Away from the horror franchise, Morgan’s daughter remembered him through the routines they shared. In a tribute posted on social media, she wrote about their Mulholland drives and Starbucks outings, expressing gratitude for having him as her father.

“Losing you has left the biggest hole in my heart,” she wrote. “I miss you endlessly already. I will carry on our Mulholland drives and our Starbucks outings. I’m grateful and lucky to have had you as my daddy. My Guck. Rest easy bubby. Life will never be the same without you and your poorly timed jokes that I inherited from you.”

Fans also shared messages of sympathy after learning of Morgan’s death, with some expressing sadness over another loss. “Why is there so many deaths happening? Very sad! Again!” one person wrote. Others kept their condolences brief, commenting, “Sorry to hear” and “Rest In Peace Sir.”

C.W. Morgan’s Career Extended Beyond HorrorAlthough “Scream” gave Morgan his most recognizable role, his acting credits stretched beyond Woodsboro. His filmography also includes “Metro,” “The Last of His Tribe” and television projects such as “Nash Bridges” and “Midnight Caller.” He was also credited on the animated series “Æon Flux” and the video game “The Last Express,” adding animation and gaming to his screen work.