George Romero during a publicity still for "Day of the Dead" (United Film Distribution Co.)
Largely considered the Godfather of Horror, George A. Romero (BFA, 1961) was an influential pioneer in the genre, particularly the zombie apocalyptic theme. Some of his best known works include "Night of the Living Dead" (1968), "The Crazies" (1973), "Martin" (1978), "Dawn of the Dead" (1978), "Knightriders" (1981), "Creepshow" (1982), and "Day of the Dead" (1985). Romero also created and executive-produced the television series "Tales from the Darkside" (1983-88). Romero isn't the only CMU alumni to be involved in horror films and television. We put together a short list of our favorites to enjoy this spooky season.
Some of the films are available for checkout, click the linked titles for more info. While you're at it, stop by the Hunt Library, first floor Circulation desk and the Video Collection room located on the 2nd floor to check out these and other horror movies.
Randy Kovitz (BFA, 1977)
Adjunct Professor, Acting - School of Drama
"Dawn of the Dead" (1978) Role: Cop
"Dawn of the Dead" (1978) Role: Biker
Ted Danson (BFA, 1972)
"Creepshow" (1982) Role: Harry Wentworth
Blair Underwood (BFA, 1988)
"Longlegs" (2024) Role: Agent Carter
Judith Light (BFA, 1970)
"American Horror Story: Facelift" (2022) Role: Virginia Mallow
"The Menu" (2022) Role: Anne
Victoria Pedretti (BFA, 2017)
"The Haunting of Hill House" (2018) Role: Nell Crain
"The Haunting of Bly Manor" (2020) Role: Dani Clayton
Patrick Wilson (BFA, 1995)
"Insidious" (2010, 2013, 2018, 2023) Role: Josh Lambert | Director: "The Red Door" (2023)
"The Conjuring" (2013, 2016, 2021) Role: Ed Warren
"Annabelle Comes Home" (2019) Role: Ed Warren
Leslie Odom, Jr. (BFA, 2003)
"The Exorcist: Believer" (2023) Role: Victor Fielding
Barbara Feldon (BFA, 1955)
"A Vacation in Hell" (1979) Role: Evelyn
Cherry Jones (BFA, 1978)
"Signs" (2002) Role: Officer Paski
"The Village" (2004) Role: Mrs. Clack
Billy Porter (BFA, 1991)
"American Horror Story" (2018) Role: Behold Chablis
"The Twilight Zone" (2020) Role: Keith
Tamara Tunie (BFA, 1981)
"The Devil's Advocate" (1997) Role: Jackie Heath
Matt Bomer (BFA, 2001)
"The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning" (2006) Role: Eric
"American Horror Story" (2014-16) Roles: Andy, Donovan, Chuck
Ming-Na Wen (BFA, 1986)
"The Darkness" (2016) Role: Wendy Richards
Dagmara Domińczyk (BFA, 1998)
"They" (2002) Role: Terry Alba
Zachary Quinto (1999)
"American Horror Story" (2011-23) Roles: Sam Jones, Chad Warwick & Dr. Oliver Thredson
Sutton Foster
"Gravy" (2015) Role: Kerry
Ethan Hawke
"Sinister" (2012) Role: Ellison Oswalt
"The Purge" (2013) Role: James Sandin
"The Black Phone" (2021) Role: The Grabber
James Cromwell (BFA, 1964)
"The Green Mile" (1999) Role: Warden Hal Moores
"Six Feet Under" (2003–2005) Role: George Sibley
"American Horror Story: Asylum" (2012-2013) Role: Dr. Arthur Arden
Joe Manganiello
"True Blood" (2010-14) Role: Alcide Herveaux
Michael McKean
"Hider in the House" (1989) Role: Phil Dreyer
"Joshua" (2007) Role: Chester Jenkins
Albert Brooks
"Twilight Zone: The Movie" (1983) Role: Car Driver (Prologue)
Michael Keaton (ETC Visiting Scholar, 2014)
"Beetlejuice" (1988) Role: Betelgeuse
"Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" (2024) Role: Betelgeuse