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Where Are They Now? : Judith O’Dea

…They’re coming to get you, Barbara.

One of the most iconic lines in horror movie cinema. And, boy, did they come for Barbara! Poor girl was tested mentally to the point where she went into a mini-coma. But, what do we know about the actress who was pimp-slapped by Duane Jones – the first black lead in a horror film – and more importantly, where is Judith O’Dea today?

Judith O’Dea was born in Pennsylvania in 1945. Her career in show business began when she was 15-years-old. After starting to appear in many stage productions – mostly musicals – she got her first big offer to play Barbara in 1968’s Night of The Living Dead. This role, in which she was originally scripted to survivor, changed her life forever and became the catalyst that brought her to horror movie fame. The original Night of The Living Dead movie has seen several remakes over the years, but there will always be thee Barbara, Ms. Judith O’Dea.

Currently, Judith owns her own company called O’Dea Communications. O’Dea Communications helps clients – whether on-stage or on-air – fine tune and develop their oral skills.  I’m talking about performance, annunciation, and articulation skills, for those of you with dirty minds like me who needed some clarification! Despite owning her own business, Judith still finds time to appear in the occasional play…and she still acts in horror films! Actually, that’s all she really has done!

After Night of The Living Dead, she went on to appear in 2003’s Claustrophobia, 2005’s October Moon, 2008’s November Son, 2009’s Timo Rose’s Beast, 2010’s Women’s Studies, and 2011’s Another Night of The Living Dead. She has also appeared in many, many horror themed documentaries.

Apparently, Judith attends horror conventions every now and then. Maybe you’ll get to meet her one day, but try not to overwhelm her. We all know the girl can ruuuunnnn, even in heels.

Michael DeFellipo

(Senior Editor)

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