UPDATED 6/7/2023
Phillip Paley became a cult icon in 1974 with his role in Land of the Lost. Portraying Cha-Ka— a creature embodying the extinct Paranthropus apes— Paley gained a large following. Much of his mystique and appeal came from the secrets of what he actually looked like out of costume.
While his role as Cha-Ka was his greatest and most known, Paley featured in a handful of films and tv afterward. Let’s see what he got up to after ’76.
Minimal Acting Career Post-‘Land of the Lost’
After his two-year run as Cha-Ka on Land of the Lost, Phillip Paley rarely returned back to the big screen. In 1988, Paley starred in Roger Corman’s teen comedy, Beach Balls.
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In addition to his 1988 film, the actor featured in an episode of Airwolf in 1985 and multiple interviews and commentary on Land of the Lost.
Most recently, Phillip Paley voiced a character in the 2020 film, The Last Page of Summer.
Fun Facts About Phillip Paley
At only nine years old, Phillip Paley achieved a black belt in karate and frequently appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. This is where he first was discovered for his role as Cha-Ka.
Phillip Paley holds a BA in English from the University of California and frequents Comic-Con. Otherwise, he is very private and not much is known about him these days!
FAQs
Where is Phillip Paley now?
Most recently, Phillip Paley voiced a character in the 2020 film, The Last Page of Summer. Since then, he’s mostly stayed out of the spotlight.
Who played chaka in the original land of the lost?
In the original Land of the Lost television series, which aired from 1974 to 1976, the character of Chaka was played by actor Philip Paley. Chaka was a Pakuni, a primitive humanoid creature who befriended the main characters and became a recurring character throughout the show.
What is Phillip Paley net worth?
It is not entirely clear what Phillip Paley’s net worth is. Most reports claim that his net worth is anywhere from $1 million to $5 million.
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