First off, thank you so much for taking the time to answer a few questions. I understand you're in Italy filming "Sinner." Can you tell us a little about it?
"Sinner" is a hybrid of Hitchcock's "Rebecca" and "House of Wax." Guess who's playing the Vincent Price role? Torturing beautiful young European actresses is a dirty job but somebody's gotta do it.
You are a classically trained actor. How did that background helped your approach to the role?I was able to use my theater training to animate the make-up, alter my voice and physically stylize my movement to go along with the exaggerated surreal atmosphere.
You are only the second actor to play the same horror character eight times. Did you ever think when you signed on that the role would be so long term and help define your career?
No. Sometimes a popular performance takes on a life of its own. Successful characters that audiences gravitate toward generate sequels. It's been a great ride and has established me as an international character actor.
While the Freddy role is such a huge character, you've also had an extensive career in television. Which do you prefer? How is working on television different from film for you?I have actually had more success in movies (over 70) than in television. Back in the 70s I did exclusively movies until the end of the decade. At that time it became easier to go back and forth between the two. Television is generally faster and the locations are rarely as interesting or fun as for movies.
Typical audition. Ken Johnson told me to think of Gene Wilder during the interview. So I channeled Mr Wilder when I read for Willie.
I heard you are working on "V: The Second Generation" with Marc Singer who was also an original cast member. Is that true?
Only a rumor. I'd love to work with those guys again,
though.
You're directing "The Vij." Can you tell us a about the film?
It will shoot in Italy in 2009. It is about a fallen angel, a priest who's lost his faith, and a beautiful cursed girl suspended between life and death.
Finally, what are your thoughts on the proposed "Elm Street" reboot?
I am curious to see how they incorporate new technology to realize the dream/nightmare sequences. I am a fan of producer Michael Bay and I expect he has a lot of great ideas since he has chosen this project.


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