The horror genre has a unique, eerie bond with the concept of death, often delving into realms beyond the grave. For actors, the end of a shoot typically means stepping away from the dark scenes and back into their everyday lives. But in rare instances, real life can take a haunting turn, and tragedy follows them soon after the cameras stop. Sometimes these incidents spark rumors of cursed productions, but they are often just tragic coincidences. Here’s a remembrance of actors who passed away after filming their horror roles, each leaving a chilling reminder of life’s unpredictability.
Jack MacGowran and Vasiliki Maliaros — The Exorcist (1973)
Warner Bros. Pictures
The Exorcist is legendary in horror, not only for its frightening portrayal of demonic possession but for the supposed curse that haunted its production. Directed by William Friedkin, this horror classic tells the story of a young girl taken over by a sinister force, shocking audiences worldwide with intense scenes and unprecedented effects. Rumors of a curse began circulating after a series of misfortunes plagued those connected to the film, including the deaths of two cast members, Jack MacGowran and Vasiliki Maliaros.
Jack MacGowran, who played Burke Dennings, died of influenza complications just months before the film’s release. Only ten days later, Vasiliki Maliaros, who portrayed Father Karras’s mother, passed away from natural causes. Their passing was just one part of a series of bizarre incidents, including an unexplained fire that nearly destroyed the set and physical injuries to both Linda Blair and Ellen Burstyn due to strenuous effects. Though unsettling, these events have become a part of the film’s terrifying legacy, adding a dark allure to an already haunted story.
Sid Haig — 3 From Hell (2019)
Lionsgate
Sid Haig’s portrayal of Captain Spaulding in Rob Zombie’s Firefly Trilogy left an unforgettable mark on horror fans. Known for his sinister clown makeup, grotesque humor, and penchant for murder, Captain Spaulding became a horror icon over the years. Unfortunately, as Haig reprised his role in the third installment, 3 From Hell, his declining health forced Zombie to adjust the script and reduce Haig’s scenes.
Zombie was determined to give Haig a chance to say goodbye to his fans in his iconic role, rewriting the script to honor him in a way fitting of the beloved character. Haig passed away from a lung infection on September 21, 2019, just days after 3 From Hell premiered. His haunting portrayal and the legacy of Captain Spaulding remain, forever rooted in horror history.
Aaliyah — Queen of the Damned (2002)
Warner Bros. Pictures
R&B sensation Aaliyah’s life was tragically cut short at 22 in a plane crash, just after completing her role in Queen of the Damned. Rising to fame in her teenage years, Aaliyah had cemented herself as a music icon and was branching into acting with roles in Romeo Must Die and Anne Rice’s vampire thriller Queen of the Damned.
Despite Queen of the Damned not receiving favorable reviews, Aaliyah’s performance as the sultry vampire Akasha left a strong impression, showcasing her potential as a formidable actress. Her untimely death casts a shadow over the film, making it a bittersweet reminder of her talent and the promising career she left behind.
Bela Lugosi — Plan 9 From Outer Space (1957)
Distributors Corporation of America (DCA)
Bela Lugosi, best known as Dracula, made a chilling mark on horror cinema. His final appearance in Ed Wood’s Plan 9 From Outer Space became infamous for its oddities. After Lugosi’s death, Wood included unused footage of him, splicing it into scenes with a stand-in. The result was a confusing and eerie portrayal that only added to the movie’s reputation as one of the worst films ever made.
Despite the strangeness of Plan 9, Lugosi’s name remains inseparable from the horror genre. His portrayal of Dracula in 1931 defined the character and cemented his legacy, even if his final film was a bizarre coda to an otherwise iconic career.
Donald Pleasance — Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995)
Dimension Films
Donald Pleasance’s role as Dr. Sam Loomis in Halloween made him a beloved figure in horror. Portraying the intense psychiatrist determined to stop Michael Myers, Pleasance brought a grounded fear to the supernatural killer’s relentless attacks. Over five films, Pleasance’s performance became a cornerstone of the franchise.
Tragically, Pleasance passed away from complications after heart surgery before the release of Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers. Despite his passing, the character of Dr. Loomis continued to appear in later Halloween films, either as archival footage or through re-created audio, underscoring Pleasance’s enduring impact on the series.
Brad Renfro — The Informers (2008)
Dimension Films
Brad Renfro’s early rise in Hollywood was overshadowed by struggles with addiction. Discovered at 11, Renfro was cast in The Client and quickly earned roles in Sleepers, Apt Pupil, and The Cure. However, as he grew older, Renfro faced personal battles that ultimately derailed his career.
In The Informers, Renfro played a doorman involved in a sinister plot. Sadly, Renfro died of an overdose before the film’s release, at just 25 years old. His story highlights the dark side of child stardom, a promising life cut short by the very industry that elevated him.
Natalie Wood — Brainstorm (1983)
MGM
Natalie Wood’s life and career were marked by success and tragedy. Starting her career at a young age, Wood starred in Miracle on 34th Street, Rebel Without a Cause, and West Side Story, establishing herself as one of Hollywood’s most beloved actresses. Her final film, Brainstorm, was almost completed when she tragically drowned during a boating trip with her husband, Robert Wagner, and co-star Christopher Walken.
The mysterious circumstances of her death overshadowed Brainstorm, which received little attention upon release. Yet, Wood’s timeless performances and the mystery surrounding her passing continue to captivate audiences decades later.
Brandon Lee — The Crow (1994)
Miramax
Brandon Lee’s death remains one of Hollywood’s most tragic and haunting accidents. Son of martial arts legend Bruce Lee, Brandon was on the cusp of fame with his role in The Crow, a dark revenge thriller based on the graphic novel of the same name. During filming, a prop gun misfired, and Lee was fatally wounded on set. He was only 28.
Despite the tragedy, The Crow was completed using stand-ins and CGI, becoming a cult classic. Lee’s portrayal of Eric Draven, an avenging angel brought back to life, took on a deeply poignant resonance, forever linking his memory to the character.
In every case, these actors left behind a legacy, sometimes haunting, always memorable, as their final roles echo in the dark halls of horror cinema. While death claims everyone in time, the horror genre reminds us that the shadow left behind is just as real, especially when an actor’s last performance embodies life’s fragile and unpredictable nature.
Brittany Murphy — Something Wicked (2014)
Entertainment One
Brittany Murphy captured hearts with her iconic performance as Tai in Clueless, proving she was anything but the “ditzy” stereotype of her character. She arrived in L.A. at 14, quickly finding success with her breakout role in Drexell’s Class and achieving overnight stardom alongside Alicia Silverstone in the cult classic. Murphy continued to impress with memorable roles in Girl, Interrupted and Don’t Say a Word, but behind the scenes, her life was plagued by tabloid scrutiny. Amidst the rise of outlets like TMZ, she became a frequent target for gossip, with unfounded rumors circulating about her mental health, personal relationships, and physical well-being. After several high-profile relationships, she married screenwriter Simon Monjack, whose controlling tendencies reportedly worried those close to her.
Murphy’s final role in Something Wicked, a psychological thriller, was bittersweet; shortly after wrapping production, she collapsed at home and later passed away from a combination of pneumonia and iron deficiency. Her sudden death shocked fans and fueled a wave of conspiracy theories, as bizarre behavior from her husband cast a shadow over the tragedy. Production on Something Wicked faced numerous delays, with post-production reshoots being postponed due to poor weather. The film eventually saw a limited release on April 4, 2014, more than four years after her untimely death.
Dominique Dunne — Poltergeist (1982)
MGM
The tragic death of Dominique Dunne remains one of the most heartbreaking episodes in Hollywood history. Born into a prominent family, Dunne pursued acting from a young age, appearing in shows like Breaking Away and Fame. Her big break came with Poltergeist, in which she played Dana, a teenager caught in a haunting. The movie’s success seemed to promise a bright future, but her life was cut short in a senseless act of violence.
On October 30, 1982, just months after the film’s release, her ex-boyfriend, John Sweeney, arrived at her home. Their relationship had ended due to his controlling and abusive behavior, and he now sought reconciliation. When she refused, Sweeney attacked her, leaving her unresponsive. She was placed on life support but passed away days later. Sweeney was convicted of manslaughter and served only two-and-a-half years, sparking public outrage. Her father, Dominick Dunne, wrote about the case, highlighting a justice system that too often failed victims of domestic abuse.