Cameron Dye

Cameron Dye is an American character actor best known for his role as Fred, the nervy sidekick of punk protagonist Randy (Nicolas Cage) in the 1983 romantic comedy "Valley Girl." Dye, whose parents moved frequently, divided his high school years between Ohio and California. After earning his degree in theater arts from UCLA, Dye earned walk-on parts on several early 1980s TV series before making the leap to feature films with a supporting role on the iconic '80s comedy "Valley Girl."

While the film, with its distinct Southern California sociolect and New Wave soundtrack, was a bonafide box office hit that remains fondly imprinted in the memories of many Generation X moviegoers, Dye's subsequent appearances in B-movies of the era--including improbable titles like "Heated Vengeance" and "Fraternity Vacation"--fared less well. By the late '80s Dye settled into a steady but unspectacular career as a frequent television guest star, most often playing heavies and unsavory characters.