Blackie Dammett, a name synonymous with Hollywood’s underground and the tumultuous early life of a rock legend, remains one of the most fascinating and controversial figures in modern music history. As of December 9, 2025, interest in the unconventional actor and father of Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis has surged, particularly following his passing and the enduring legacy detailed in his son’s explosive autobiography, Scar Tissue. This article delves into the full biography and the scandalous, yet profoundly influential, relationship that defined a generation’s rock star.

Far more than just "Anthony Kiedis' father," Blackie Dammett lived a life of extremes—from a struggling actor in Los Angeles to a self-proclaimed "drug dealer to the stars"—a journey that was as colorful as it was chaotic. His story is a raw look at the darker side of the 1970s and 80s Hollywood scene, a period during which he raised his son in a truly unique, and often perilous, environment. The recent news of a potential biopic based on the *Scar Tissue* memoir ensures that the legacy of John Michael Kiedis, better known as Blackie Dammett, continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

The Unconventional Life and Complete Biography of Blackie Dammett

Blackie Dammett, born John Michael Kiedis, was a man whose personal life was just as dramatic as any character he played on screen. His story is inextricably linked to the trajectory of his son’s life, creating a narrative that is both heartbreaking and inspiring. He embraced the moniker "Blackie Dammett" for his acting career, a pseudonym that perfectly encapsulated his rebellious, dark-humored persona.

Here is a complete profile of the man behind the legend:

• Full Birth Name: John Michael Kiedis
• Stage Name: Blackie Dammett
• Date of Birth: December 7, 1939
• Date of Death: May 12, 2021
• Age at Death: 81 years old
• Place of Birth: Grand Rapids, Michigan (He was "formerly of Los Angeles")
• Cause of Decline: Dementia
• Profession: Actor, Author, Self-proclaimed "Drug Dealer to the Stars"
• Spouse: Margaret "Peggy" Kiedis (Divorced)
• Children: Anthony Kiedis (Born 1962, lead singer of Red Hot Chili Peppers) and one other child
• Notable Association: Head of The Official Red Hot Chili Peppers fan organization at one point

His early life saw him move to Los Angeles, where he pursued a career in acting. However, his most significant role was arguably the one he played in his son's life, introducing Anthony to the world of drugs and the fast-paced Hollywood lifestyle at a very young age, a key detail that would later form the central narrative of *Scar Tissue*.

From Hollywood Actor to 'Drug Dealer to the Stars': Dammett's Film and Controversial Career

While Blackie Dammett’s fame is primarily posthumous and tied to his son, he maintained a legitimate, albeit niche, career in film and television throughout the 1970s and 1980s. His on-screen presence often leaned towards character roles, playing tough, sometimes villainous, figures that mirrored the gritty reality of his off-screen life.

His professional filmography includes a mix of cult classics, B-movies, and television appearances, cementing his status as a true Hollywood character actor:

• Nine Deaths of the Ninja (1985): Perhaps his most recognizable role, where he played the character "Alby the Cruel."
• L.A. Bounty (1989)
• Class Reunion (1982)
• Kiss My Grits (1982)
• Midnight Lace (1981)
• Alfred Hitchcock Presents: A Very Happy Ending (TV Series)
• He also appeared in the documentary series Behind the Music (1997–2021) and the project Hammer.

The controversy surrounding Dammett stems from his alleged second career as a supplier of illicit substances. Anthony Kiedis openly discussed this aspect of his father's life in his memoir, detailing how Blackie was a reported "drug dealer to the stars" in the Hollywood Hills. This environment, while providing a unique and colorful upbringing, also exposed the young Anthony to drug use, a struggle that would plague the Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman for decades. This candid portrayal is what makes the Kiedis family history a subject of continuous public curiosity.

The Scar Tissue Legacy: A Father-Son Relationship That Defined a Rock Star

The most enduring aspect of Blackie Dammett's life is his complex, unconventional, and often destructive relationship with his son, Anthony Kiedis. The dynamic between the two men is the emotional core of the Red Hot Chili Peppers singer’s 2004 autobiography, *Scar Tissue*. The book paints a vivid picture of a father who was a mentor, a friend, a co-conspirator, and a cautionary tale all at once.

In the memoir, Anthony recounts moving from Michigan to Los Angeles at age 11 to live with his father. Blackie introduced him to a bohemian lifestyle, replete with artists, musicians, and Hollywood figures, but also to drugs like marijuana and cocaine. This unconventional upbringing, while providing the raw material for Anthony's future artistic expression, also set the stage for his lifelong battle with addiction. The narrative of *Scar Tissue*, co-authored with Larry Sloman, is a testament to the profound influence Blackie had.

The book’s explicit detailing of their lives has kept Blackie Dammett’s name in the cultural conversation long after his death in 2021, which came after a period of declining health due to dementia.

What's Next for the Blackie Dammett Story?

The latest development that has brought Blackie Dammett back into the spotlight is the announcement of a potential film adaptation of *Scar Tissue*. Producers, including J.J. Abrams, are reportedly scouting for a writer to pen the script, which is expected to heavily center on Anthony Kiedis's turbulent relationship with his father. This upcoming biopic will serve as the ultimate cultural examination of Blackie Dammett’s impact, ensuring that his story—a blend of Hollywood glamor, rock 'n' roll excess, and raw Kiedis family history—will be told to a new generation.

Blackie Dammett was a true Hollywood maverick whose life was a series of high-stakes gambles and unconventional choices. His legacy is not just in his minor film roles or his administrative work for The Official Red Hot Chili Peppers fan club, but in the enduring, complex narrative he co-wrote with his son. He was a father who, in his own unique way, provided the fire that forged one of rock music’s most enduring frontmen, making the story of John Michael Kiedis an essential, if controversial, chapter in rock history.