Top 5’s – Before They Were Famous (Celebrities in Horror)

Reviewed on February 28th, 2010 By Jigsaw (contributor) & filed in the Top 5's vault "We all go a little mad sometimes"

Many times have I returned to a retro release to be astonished that a minor character now has huge celebrity status. Sometimes this increases the greatness of the film but more likely than not the actor’s new found celebrity engulfs the character they are playing. This is a list that covers only a small selection and are listed in no particular order.

One rule when choosing who made the cut were those who still have significant celebrity presence. An example is Alex Winter made a brief appearance in Lost Boys, who you may ask, he played Bill in Bill and Ted – Non entities don’t make the grade.

5) Johnny Depp: Nightmare on Elm Street
The most high profile on the list but this one’s probably common knowledge. This is Depp’s first Big Screen role and not a bad way to begin. Nightmare is a great film which anyone should be proud to have appeared in. Playing Nancy’s boyfriend Glen, his onscreen death is one of the most memorable – as he is pulled to his death a fountain of blood sprays the room. Depp has truly embraced his roots in horror returning to the genre from time to time including Sleepy Hollow, Sweeney Todd, The Ninth Gate and Secret Window he even returned for a cameo appearance in Freddy’s Dead.

4) Kevin Bacon: Friday the 13th
Appearing as Jack in the original flick his role was oh so brief. Running off for some fun in an empty shack is a big horror no no. Jack lies back on his bed and gets his throat pierced with an arrow head. Originally one of the censored scenes on release the newest DVD retains his execution in full glory. Not a bad way to be killed off on screen. Despite his legendary status now Bacon has appeared in numerous other horror productions such as Tremors, Flatliners, Stir of Echoes (Similar to Sixth Sense but better) and Hollow Man.

3) Patricia Arquette: Nightmare on Elm Street Part 3 – The Dream Warriors
Playing Kristen in what I believe is one of the best sequels of all time she plays the lead heroine. This is the most likable character in the Elm Street series aside from Nancy and it’s a shame she wasn’t asked to reprise the role in the following sequel. In fact when I was younger I didn’t realise the Kristen in Part 4 was the same character. Appearing in thrillers and art house movies Arquette eventually gained her most famous role which is twinged with horror themes. Playing Allison DuBois on the TV show Medium – it’s set around a character who can converse with the dead. Which strangely enough is what her character does at the end of Nightmare on Elm Street 3.

2) Leonardo DiCaprio: Critters 3
This was Leo’s first film in which he plays Josh. Only a child at the time DiCaprio is actually the most accomplished actor in this film. This film is terrible and is a struggle to sit through; it’s amazing that he managed to find work after appearing in this. Unlike a lot of the other actors on this list Leonardo has not returned to the horror genre but that’s about to change with his next release, Shutter Island. Although a period thriller early reports suggest moments of horror and tense scenes that have me looking forward to it.

1) Jennifer Aniston: Leprechaun
This has to be one of the most embarrassing starts to a career and no wonder shunned by Aniston. This film is pathetic, it has a silly premise, boring storyline and Jennifer gives her worst performance ever (indeed it’s worse than any of her romantic comedies). The only entertainment you can hope to get from this is to see Aniston’s original nose, now that was scary!

Disagree with our choices? Then why not post your own below.

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading ...

Post a comment