Alan Mark Haufrect

Alan Mark Haufrect, beloved father, character actor, and later, innovative sports marketing executive, died at his home in Century City on Saturday, the 17th of August, of pancreatic cancer. He was 83.

Alan was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Fred Haufrect and Hilda Haufrect (née Rosenberg). The family moved to Houston, Texas, as it grew to include two more sons over the next decade. Alan graduated from Bellaire High School, where he excelled in forensics, taking home a record number of top prizes at regional and state competitions, and was later inducted into the school's hall of fame. Alan then attended and graduated from Tulane University where he continued to perform and sing, touring in Europe as part of the university's Men's Chorus and starring in the opera Porgy and Bess with his unmistakable baritone. Alan earned his MFA from the Yale School of Drama in 1967 before moving to Los Angeles. It wasn't long before his career took him back to Europe, landing a supporting role in the cult classic The Wild Racers (1968), and living in London long after the film wrapped and his visa expired by using his acting chops to fake a British accent to work as a hotel bellhop, a period of his life he described being both "the poorest and the happiest" he could remember.

Upon returning to Los Angeles, Alan established himself as a go-to character actor in a variety of films (Footloose, 9 to 5, Coma, Halloween 2, Twilight Zone: The Movie), TV Shows (Bosom Buddies, Growing Pains, Dynasty, Days of Our Lives, Punky Brewster, and The Fresh Prince of Bel Air), as well as dozens of commercials and stage plays. With over 60 credits in his almost 30-year career, Alan was inducted into the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences in 1987.

In 1977, he married Kate McClure Lyman (1955-2015) and in 1982 they welcomed a baby girl, Sarah McClure Haufrect, into the world, whom he described to anyone willing to listen as his greatest accomplishment.

In the second half of his professional life, Alan translated his skills to the sports industry, serving as V.P. of Sports Marketing for two major companies, first at Aminco International (USA), and then WinCraft, where he spent a decade leading the jewelry, pins and accessories division to great success, and popularizing the now ubiquitous WinCraft "Pin Trading Centers" which started in a single NHL stadium and are now an indelible part of the fan experience for the NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAA and the Olympic games, enjoyed by thousands of people each year.

Even with many reasons to brag, Alan was never a boastful man unless speaking of others and never missed an opportunity to remind folks that he was just a cowboy from Texas. His gentlemanly way and incomparable wit will be dearly missed.



None of his talents or accomplishments were as important to him as his leading roles as a devoted father and brother. He is survived by his daughter Sarah Haufrect and son-in-law Jared Cote, his two brothers Eric and Dale Haufrect and four nephews Adam, Ian, Brian and Mark Haufrect, along with an entourage of friends who filled his life with joy, laughter and meaning.

For those who wish to honor his memory, the Haufrect family invites contributions in his name to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network PANCAN.org