As a devoted fan of classic horror movies and a connoisseur of timeless performances, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgic appreciation for the cast of “The Amityville Horror.” Forty-five years have passed since this iconic film graced our screens, yet it continues to haunt the annals of cinematic history. It’s bittersweet to reflect on the fact that many of the actors who made this film so captivating are no longer with us.
Originating from the 1970s, “The Amityville Horror” is now recognized as one of the most chilling and ominous horror films, based on a family’s supposedly real (though its authenticity remains questionable) experience. The film recounts their ordeal when they moved into a house haunted by the malevolent ghosts of those who were murdered there long ago. Critics at the time weren’t particularly fond of it; Roger Ebert, for instance, commented that we endure two hours of characters being scared and disheartened, wondering, “If it’s true, let it be their fate. Too bad for the Lutzes! If it’s a fabrication, make it more engaging. If they can’t decide… then why should we?”
Despite its controversial origins, “The Amityville Horror” was enormously successful among viewers, ranking as one of the top-earning horror movies in history during its release. This success led to an ongoing series of sequels and adaptations – some more well-received than others – and the Amityville house tale has since become a staple of pop culture. Forty-five years have passed since the original film was released, and although it continues to hold its ground in cinematic lore, many of the actors who contributed to its popularity have sadly passed away. Only James Brolin, Don Stroud, and Helen Shaver from the main cast are still alive today.
James Brolin (George)
James Brolin, known for his role as George in “The Amityville Horror”, is a renowned figure in the film industry that hardly requires an introduction. Apart from numerous iconic films he’s produced, he’s also made a name for himself as Barbra Streisand’s husband and Josh Brolin’s father, with whom he bears a striking resemblance. Starting out in small television roles and unrecognized film appearances in the early 60s, his career truly soared in the late ’60s and ’70s. Movie enthusiasts might recall Brolin from his performances in the 1973 adaptation of “Westworld”, “Capricorn One”, and ultimately in “The Amityville Horror” (1979). By 1985, he had garnered enough fame to portray himself in “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure”, where he was cast as the actor chosen to play Pee-wee in the big-budget Hollywood retelling of his bicycle-theft adventure.
For several decades, he has taken on roles such as the narrator in the Netflix fantasy series “Sweet Tooth”, the villain Emperor Zurg in “Lightyear”, and Jack Barnes in Steven Spielberg’s film “Catch Me If You Can”. He is also set to appear in “Ransom Canyon”, an upcoming western production that stars Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly.
Don Stroud (Father Bolan)
In horror movies from the 1970s involving hauntings or suspected demonic activity, it’s often the case that a priest gets sent to investigate the supernatural occurrences. “The Amityville Horror” follows this pattern, with Rod Steiger portraying Father Delaney, who encounters a swarm of malicious flies as soon as he steps foot in the house. However, Don Stroud plays Father Bolan, who is part of his support team.
Don Stroud embarked on his acting career in the late 60s and maintained a consistent presence, particularly on TV, throughout the 70s and 80s. He featured in popular shows such as “Gunsmoke,” “Hawaii Five-O,” “Charlie’s Angels,” and “The Dukes of Hazzard.” Over time, he landed minor roles in notable films like “The Buddy Holly Story” (1978), “License to Kill” (1989), and “Django Unchained” (2012). In 2023, his latest acting gig was portraying an old veteran in an episode of “Magnum P.I.”
Helen Shaver (Carolyn)
When George (Brolin) and his spouse Kathy (Margot Kidder) encounter mysterious, unclear occurrences in their newly moved-into house, they feel compelled to invite outsiders who can verify these experiences. It’s at this point that Carolyn, portrayed by Helen Shaver, enters the scene: As the psychic spouse of George’s colleague, she senses the negative energy almost immediately upon setting foot on the property.
Helen Shaver’s acting career stretches back to the 1970s, with appearances continuing up until 2013 in productions like the independent drama “Down River”. However, in the early 90s, she ventured behind the camera and has since thrived as a television director. Over the years, she’s led numerous popular series such as “The OC”, “Anne with an E”, “Orphan Black”, “Westworld”, “Vikings”, and most recently, “The New Look”. Currently, she is working on a new movie titled “Frankie’s Baby” that is yet to be released.
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2024-08-28 04:00