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.
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.
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!)
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!
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.
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.