Thomas DeWitt Causey Jr., a veteran production sound mixer who worked on films such as “Dick Tracy” and “Broadcast News,” died Sunday in Cathedral City, Calif., after a long illness. He was 76 years old.
His death was confirmed by his daughter-in-law, Crystal Causey.
Cosey has worked as a sound mixer on more than 85 films throughout his 40 years in Hollywood. He was nominated for an Oscar for his work in the 1990 Warren Beatty film Dick Tracy. His other major credits include “Gardens of Stone,” “The Fisher King,” “Bulworth,” and “Defending Your Life.” He was a frequent collaborator with horror icon John Carpenter. They co-produced 11 films, including all three “Halloween” films: “Escape from New York,” “Escape from Los Angeles,” “The Thing,” “Big Trouble in Little China,” “Christine,” “Starman,” “Prince of Darkness” and “Village of the Damned.”
Born in New Orleans in 1949, Causey fell in love with the business while working as a driver for the sound team on a British production that was filming in Louisiana. That experience led him to borrow $5,000 from his father to buy his first sound equipment, work on local film shoots, and record live albums for local jazz musicians. In 1977, he moved to LA with his wife to pursue a career in sound mixing. The move was prompted by a court ruling last year granting IATSE membership to non-union sound mixers who worked on sets in LA for at least 90 days.
Causey is survived by his wife, Christina Causey, son Jesse Causey, and brother Matthew Causey.
