LDR).What is your earliest recollection of the Horror genre? Are you a fan?
SH) I’ve been a huge fan since I was nine or ten years old. I saw everything that came out, as soon as it came out. All the old classics. The Wolf Man, Dracula and Frankenstein. I was there opening night for the theatrical 3D showing of House of Wax, and that’s something that will stay with me forever.
LDR).I have followed your career since the early 70’s (Jason of Star Command was a favorite of mine growing up). Which do you prefer, acting in Movies or T.V.?
SH) I prefer movies. You have more time for character development. As my old agent used to say, “TV puts beans on the table, but film build careers”.
LDR) .You are a prolific character actor in both T.V. and films. What are some of your favorite roles?
SH) As far as TV, I enjoyed working on all nine episodes of “Mission: Impossible”. I couldn’t wait to get to work when I was doing “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman”, and “Jason of Star Command” was as challenging as it was rewarding. We shot all fifteen episodes in five weeks.
The films that I will always remember are Spider Baby, House of 1000 Corpses and The Devils Rejects. There is also Little Big Top which has not been released yet, but we hope to one day see it shown to the world.
LDR).I know that you have several projects awaiting release including A Dead Calling, Brotherhood of Blood, Razor, Dead Man’s Hand and Little Big Top (which I have heard is one of your greatest performances.) Can you tell us a little about your roles in some of these films?
SH) The roles in all the films you’ve mentioned, except for Razor, I would call firsts. A Dead Calling was the first time I played a straight role as husband and father. Brotherhood of Blood was the first time I have played a vampire. Dead Man’s Hand, I’m a ghost. All firsts for me.
My feelings about my role in Little Big Top run deep. The idea of playing a character that is completely at the lowest point in his life and then somehow manages to pull himself together has always appealed to me. So understandably, when the offer was made to play Seymour Smiles I jumped at the chance. Then the icing on the cake came when I was told that the role was written especially for me. That is one of the greatest honors that you can bestow on an actor, in my opinion. I am sincerely hoping the film makers will make an effort to get this film somehow available for the public to see very soon. I feel people will be shocked, in a good way, by what they see.
LDR).How does it feel to be a Horror Icon for the new Millennium? Capt. Spaulding achieved in two films what other characters took years and numerous sequels to attain.
SH) It was a complete shock. For the longest time I just couldn’t figure it out. Then I began to look at it as a gift. A gift that I will take very good care of, and nurture and most of all try to never disappoint you, the people, and the fans, who bestowed that gift on me.
LDR).How was working with Rob Zombie? If the chance to resurrect the Firefly Clan presented itself would you participate?
SH) Working with Rob was great – he knows how to let an actor do their job. He lets you get crazy, and find out what your character is all about, in order to let you be able to play that character to the fullest.
As far as more films, when we finished The Devils Rejects, Sheri, Bill and I made a pact that the only way we’d come back was if Rob wrote and directed the project.
LDR).In filming The Devil’s Rejects, it has been said that Bill Mosley got emotionally upset with some of the scenes he had to perform. Has a part ever affected you emotionally?
SH) Every part you do has got to affect you emotionally, otherwise your audience will not be affected. If you don’t feel it, they won’t either. One has to understand that inside each of us lies every psychological trait there is. You just have to know how to unleash it in a safe manner. I have gotten emotional, but never so emotional as to loose control.
LDR).It’s going through the rumor mill that they may remake Spider Baby. How do you feel about that and if asked would you participate?
SH) I would have to take a look at the script to see if it remained true to the original, and it would definitely have to have Jack Hill’s blessing. We started each other’s careers with that film. To have it be remade and not have Jack involved in some way wouldn’t be right.
LDR).With directors such as Zombie, Roth, Tarantino and Aja, it seems that a resurgence of the Horror/Exploitation genre of the late 60’s,early 70’s has begun. As an Icon of that era, how do you think today’s films measure up?
SH) Some films coming out today are great. Others just don’t match up.
LDR).How do you feel about the state of modern film where remakes reign supreme and Hollywood seems to prefer a more diluted form of horror?
SH) Some remakes are actually very good: Cronenberg’s The Fly, DePalma’s Scarface, Schrader’s Cat People, those are amazing films that are all remakes. Others, and I won’t name any so as to paint a target on my ass, should be put in the round file…immediately.
LDR)Acting wise, do you prefer to working on indie films or more mainstream projects?
SH) Indie films are more interesting, more challenging and more rewarding. For the most part they are not made while looking at profit and loss. I find there is more passion there.
LDR).With nearly half a century of acting and Icon status in Horror and Exploitation films as well as being a legendary character actor in countless T.V. shows. What is next for Sid Haig? Can you see yourself doing anything but acting? what about writing or directing?
SH) I hope to direct someday soon.
LDR).You have worked with numerous actors and directors in your career. Who were some of your favorites? Are their any people that you would like to work with in the future that you haven’t worked with before?
SH) I don’t mean to be flip, but both of those lists are so long, I’m sure I would leave someone out!
Note*** A few days after this interview it was announced that Sid Haig would be directing and starring in the new psycological Horror Thriller “WHITTENBURG”. We at Living Dead Reveiws are excited for Sid and for all Horror Fans.On a personal note,We extend a big Thanks to Sid and Suzi for taking time to help us new guys and wish them Good Luck and much happiness as they plan to tie the knot this November!
