10 Memorable Cameos from Horror Filmmakers… In Their Own Movies!
John Squires
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John Landis – An American Werewolf in London
Before becoming a filmmaker, John Landis worked as an actor and even a stuntman – performing stunts for various spaghetti westerns, including The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. While making An American Werewolf in London, he decided to put his experience as a stunt performer to use, appearing briefly on screen towards the end of the film. In a scene that lasts only about a second, a man wearing a bandana is hit by a car and hurled through a window during the chaotic final sequence of the movie – that man is John Landis, serving as both extra and stuntman!
Eli Roth – Cabin Fever
Before proving himself to be a pretty good actor in Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds, Eli Roth appeared in his debut film as a stoner by the name of Justin (aka Grim). The role was originally going to be played by Michael Rosenbaum, who at the time was playing Lex Luthor in the TV series “Smallville.” Rosenbaum was unable to break away from the set of “Smallville,” however, so Roth inserted himself into the part. Though Justin doesn’t survive the film, Roth nevertheless reprised the role in 2001 Maniacs, a brief cameo that serves as a prequel story for the character. He mentions that he’s headed off into the woods, alluding to the fact that the events of 2001 Maniacs are taking place at the very same time as the events of Cabin Fever.
Rob Zombie – House of 1000 Corpses
Rob Zombie has very few acting roles on his resume, mostly for voice work, but he did briefly appear on screen in his debut movie, House of 1000 Corpses. The film kicks off with a clip from the fictional TV show “Dr. Wolfenstein’s Creature Feature Show,” and Zombie’s original plan was to play the host of the show. Covered in werewolf makeup, Zombie felt that he didn’t look much different in the makeup than he did normally, so he bowed out of the role. Instead, he decided to play Dr. Wolfenstein’s assistant, getting his Gallagher on and smashing a pumpkin for a scene that lasts a split-second. The idea was that Zombie wanted to hide in the movie, rather than star in it.
Can you think of any other cameos that horror filmmakers made in their own movies? Comment below, and let us know!
