As a woman, I’ve noticed that horror films are great stepping stones for my gender.
Usually when an underrated female actress gets noticed for her performance in a horror film, she later branches out into other genres and gets noticed for her acting abilities. (e.g. Jamie Lee Curtis, Virginia Madsen, Neve Campbell)
Although, I find that it is a little harder for male horror actors to do the same once they have made a role famous in a scary movie. Whether they are known for being either notorious villains or “scream kings,” these ten horror actors deserve more recognition in the film industry.
1. Bill Moseley
This actor’s performance as “Choptop” in Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 2 wowed horror fiends, but it was his role as the sadistic and merciless killer, Otis in both House of 1000 Corpses and The Devil’s Rejects that catapulted him into the A-list of horror. His personality always shows in every one of his roles, and even though he’s known for playing psychopaths, he’s far from it in real life.
Anyone who has watched the “30 days in hell” documentary on The Devil’s Rejects knows how hard it was for Bill to act out the killing and rape scenes. This man is definitely a gem within the horror genre. He deserves to be recognized and I hope he is able to branch out into a variety of films and get more fans.
2. Robert Englund
Robert may be the best known underrated actor on this list. This is because of his infamous role as the “Ginsu” knife glove wearing serial killer, Freddy Kruger in the Nightmare on Elm Street series. Ever since becoming one of the most popular villains in film history, he has starred in horror films ever since. I would love to see this actor in a non horror film to show off the acting skills we all know he has.
3. Doug Bradley
I saw Doug Bradley at a horror convention one time, and noticed everyone going towards this friendly and funny British man. I went up to him and asked him who he was and when he responded by saying, “Pinhead” I was totally floored. I had seen this man in other great character roles, but had no idea this was the same man who played the fearful cenobite in the Hellraiser series. After meeting him, I wanted to watch every thing he’s been in
4. Brad Dourif
This man has made a role famous from just his voice alone. For almost 20 years, Brad has voiced the infamous serial killing doll, Chucky in the Child’s Play series. Chucky may be his most famous role to date, but he is also known for being a great character actor. His range and versatility shows in the variety of roles he’s taken, and he never disappoints. (at least me anyways!)
5. Bruce Campbell
I used to be one of those people that thought Bruce Campbell was extremely overrated. He may be known and loved for his role as Ash in the Evil Dead series, but it was his role as an old cancer-ridden, mummy-slaying Elvis in Bubba Ho-Tep that made me notice his acting abilities. Bruce Campbell is an extremely entertaining man who can turn any piece of straight to DVD crap into gold, and Hollywood really needs to pay this man some much needed and deserved attention.
6. Ted Levine
Two words. Buffalo Bill. This actor will forever be known as the flesh-wearing, serial killing, transvestite in Silence of the Lambs. He has proven in many other films that he is a talented bad ass actor, (Heat) and I would like to see more of him, because I love hearing that deep and distinctive voice of his!
7. Jeffrey Combs
He has never been a house hold name, but horror fans around the world know him as Dr. Herbert West in the Re-animator series. This actor usually is also known for his small, but memorable roles in horror films such as The Frighteners, I still know what you did last summer, and House on Haunted Hill. He has an extraordinary presence in all the films he stars in, and I can’t wait until his next film, because so far, I’ve been hooked on all his creepy performances.
8. Tony Todd
This actor has frightened me ever since I was a little girl with his portrayal of the hook wielding vengeful ghost in Candyman. Even though he usually pleases his core audience by starring in horror films, he has also proven to show his versatility and less frightening side in movies such as Platoon, The Last Elephant, and The Crow.
9. Desmond Harrington
A couple of years ago, this actor managed to get my attention in three movies. He surprised me in Ghost Ship, he made me cheer in Wrong Turn, and freaked the sh*t out me in Love Object. Whether he’s playing a deadly soul collector, a hero, or a pathetic and crazy man who loves to hump life size dolls, Desmond always puts 110 percent into his eceletic roles. I hope to see more of him in 2006!
10. Jeremy Sisto
This charismatic actor is known for being in a lot of great horror indies. (May, Dead and Breakfast) He wowed me in his frightening performance as the serial killer in Hideaway and has had me hooked ever since. If he’s not playing the killer, he’s usually playing the only funny character in a horror flick that has any personality and ends up getting killed. If an actor can terrify you in one role, and make you laugh in the next, he deserves a great role in a great movie.
