Bill Moseley at the Music Box

Michael J. Pollard – Rest in Peace

Michael J PollardGrowing up in the late ’60s and early ’70s, it was pretty easy to know who Michael J. Pollard was. We might not of known his name, but we definitely remembered that face. Whether it was from his appearance in the original Star Trek series or Lost in Space (both in 1966), or his role in the famous Bonnie and Clyde (1967). But he had a face and voice that was always memorable. Later in the ’80s and ’90s, you’d see him in everything from comedies, action films, dramas, and everything in between. In the horror genre, there’s American Gothic (1987), Sleepaway Camp III (1989), or as the rat catcher in Split Second (1992). Of course, of later day fans, he was one of the best parts in the opening of Rob Zombie’s debut, House of 1000 Corpses (2003).

Movie fans have lost this iconic boyish face, as he passed away on Nov. 20th from a cardiac arrest, at the age of 80 years old. No matter what film I would be watching, when his face came on screen, it made me smile. Because I knew no matter the size of the role, I was going to remember it because his screen presents. He really was one of a kind. Gone, but definitely never forgotten.

Sid Haig – Rest in Peace

sid 6

I know as horror fans, we like to throw around the word “icon” when one of our horror heroes passes away, but this time, with this guy, the word icon definitely fits. And I know the internet has been flooded with everyone’s memories of meeting him, but dammit…that is the way it should be!

sid 4The strange thing for me is that my first introduction to Mr. Haig wasn’t any of his appearances in the horror or exploitation films, but a Saturday morning kids show in the late ’70s called Jason of Star Command, as the villainous Dragos. Of course, later I would come to know him from the countless appearances he did in a ton of television and films. Even before Jack Hill’s Spider Baby saw a legitimate release, I had a shabby looking bootleg on VHS, watching this classic film, with a young Sid playing the simple minded Ralph, and just loving it. That was the amazing thing about Sid. No matter what role, no matter how big or small, Sid Haig always made an impression with the viewer. With this height, bald head, and those glaring  eyes, he could stop you dead in your tracks. Continue reading

Irwin Keyes – Rest in Peace

irwinkeyes-ripI meant to post this earlier but was sidetracked a little with that thing called life. But I wanted to make sure that I mention the passing of character actor Irwin Keyes. Yes, most of us horror fans know him from his character of Revelli in Rob Zombie’s House of 1000 Corpses, but just looking has his resume you’ll realize the amount of work this man has done. He had small parts in a ton of films, such as in the original Friday the 13th. A constimate character actor, Keyes was one of those people that could only have a bit part in a film, maybe a scene or two, but was always memorable. Because of his look, he tended to play vilians or henchman, but like a lot of actors playing the monsters, it was completely opposite of what Keyes was like in real life. According to talent manager Travis Engle, “He was the nicest guy who played some of the meanest characters. In show business, it is very rare to meet someone as kind and gentle as Irwin was.”

Keyes passed away last Wednesday from complications of acromegaly. He was 63 years old. Our thoughts out to his friends and family.