As a member of the press I’ve had the unfortunate duty of reporting on the passing of workers inside the horror community for the last four years, but none have left me as saddened as the recent loss of Stephen Ohlarik. I know that many of you will read this and say, “Who is Stephen Ohlarik,” and the fact of the matter is he was not well known outside of central/north New Jersey; but he was a great guy, fun to work with on set and loved all things horror and science fiction. If you don’t believe me, just check the award he received in 2014 for Best Costume at Chiller Theatre. I don’t think anyone had seen such a lovable zombie still delivering pizza at that point. One thing I pride myself on working at HorrorSociety.com is that we are, in essence, a society of horror lovers. And today we’ve lost one of our own.
I first met Stephen Ohlarik in August 2012 while working on Ryan Scott Weber’s Mary Horror sequel, Sheriff Tom vs. The Zombies. That night I was working transpiration as well as filming a quick scene I was featured in as a supporting actor. Stephen was taking part in Sheriff Tom vs. The Zombies, too, and was quickly becoming one of the most featured zombies in the film, and that night he and Jessica Montano were filming one of the first – if not only? – zombie on zombie sex scenes in independent horror history. It was very PG-13 simulated, of course, but it was an interesting experience to witness. After spending time together and working on something so silly, there weren’t any personal boundaries left to knock down and Stephen and I started a genuine friendship; as did I with Montano.
We met again at Sheriff Tom vs. The Zombies‘ premiere in April 2013 and it was like no time had passed at all. Lots of laughs, lots of stories, lots of getting to know each other…and Stephen was very excited to show off an aspect of his life he was proud of – putting on special effects make-up and becoming different zombies. Luckily, this talent was put to use again in 2013 when he appeared as a zombie in five episodes of Weber’s web-series “Zombies Incorporated.” Outside of horror conventions, Ohlarik always had a frequent employer at Weber Pictures and appeared in all of his projects to date including kid’s Legend of Zeke, his first non-extra role in Witches Blood and the upcoming Pretty Fine Things. He also shot a cameo for Joshua Bruce’s upcoming Burn in Hell. I feel fortunate to have worked with Steve on many of these projects, too.
Steve and I talked often through text messages and through Facebook messenger in between films, conventions and long periods of not seeing each other due to everyday life becoming more important. Our conversations had waned in the last month, month and a half, and now I know why. Privately, Steve was battling a brain tumor and as of today, he lost that battle. Just because the battle was lost, doesn’t mean that he gave up. It only means that his struggle was over and now he can enjoy the peace that such a kind hearted soul deserves. But, let me tell you a little bit about Steve… For such a small body, he was ferociously protective of his friends and family. Though plagued with his own health issues, he always offered a shoulder of support to all who needed one. His excitement over film and media was infectious and I’m so happy to have gotten a chance to know him over the last two and a half years. And what a pleasure it was.
I’m sending positive energy, light and love to Jackie, his kids, family, his friends, his work associates…anyone who was lucky enough to have met him. Yeah, as a horror loving community, we’ve lost one of our own. Rest in peace, buddy!
Nice article Mike. Steve was such a great guy. Thanks for paying tribute to him.