Robert Englund Interview: The Man Who Brought Freddy Krueger to Life

Few actors can claim they've created an enduring character which spans generations. Even less can boast they're responsible for unleashing a pop culture icon onto the world. In 1984, actor Robert Englund brought to life the despicable, but still oddly appealing Freddy Krueger starring in the low budget horror film A Nightmare On Elm Street from director Wes Craven. The hit movie spawned five sequels, a TV series, toys, video games and firmly cemented Freddy as one of the most recognized villains in horror film history.

Beyond his Hollywood horror pedigree, Robert Englund's acting resume is an impressive one. He's an actor capable of a wide range to make us love to hate him as Freddy or root for him as goofy, but lovable alien Willie in the landmark science fiction television mini-series V. Both A Nightmare On Elm Street and V are headed for remakes or reboots, which are among the things Robert Englund talks about here.

What helped you most in becoming an actor, acting classes, mentors/idols or specific inspirations?

Because I grew up in southern California I had access to a high level of professionalism in school, acting classes and summer theater work. The level of student competition was inspiring and raised my game. For instance my high school acting teacher had roomed with Michael Chekov in New York, and worked in movies and TV.

A V remake is happening. Would you take part if asked?

I would love to work with Ken Johnson (writer & director of V) again. But Willie's getting a little old - this lizard's got some wrinkles.

Any news on Nightmare On Elm remake? Supposedly you won't be connected - can you clear up or add anything? Do you have mixed feelings on possibly participating or are you fine with letting a new "generation" take up the Freddy/Nightmare mantle?

I am curious to see the reinterpretation of NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET. The story line certainly lends itself to exploiting the new technologies that have been developed since the 1984 original. Obviously, with all his success, producer Michael Bay can do anything he wants. Because he has chosen to remake NIGHTMARE he must have some great ideas.

How do you feel about digital FX versus practical/make-up? Recently, I watched A Nightmare on Elm Street and was struck by how well FX hold up, in fact imagining them done digital is hard. Are you more a fan of old style FX or consider both for the right look for horror movies?

I think there is a time and place for both. Unfortunately, all too often filmmakers rely too much on FX to substitute/fix a weak story line/plot

Would you do another VS movie - Freddy VS - another classic monster or has the well run dry after one go around with Jason?

Yeah, I am looking forward to throwing down with Chucky from Child's Play - (not).

What are your own favorite movies?? Do you have a favorite genre or period of films?

My favorite movies are eclectic. I love TOUCH OF EVIL, ROSEMARY'S BABY, ANATOMY OF A MURDER, Bertulucci's 1900, HUD, The INNOCENTS, ON THE WATERFRONT, ROMAN HOLIDAY, TWO FOR THE ROAD, MURMER OF THE HEART, DOUBLE INDEMNITY, MY FAVORITE YEAR, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA, FORBIDDEN PLANET, etc.

What's the funniest or weirdest thing which happened to you while playing Freddy?

My biography is coming out soon and will be chock full of Freddy anecdotes. Read them for yourself.

What's the best advice you can give a young actor/actress breaking into the business?

Actors act. Actual acting is more important than classes and going to the gym, yoga, all that other stuff. Practical experience, whether in a college environment, summer stock, regional theater or ultimately New York or Hollywood tests your love of the craft and your strength to continue.

You've done a lot of voice acting in animation. Is voice acting more challenging? Do you enjoy it?

I love it. I can show up in my pajamas when i am having a bad hair day. Voice over actors and directors are some of the funniest guys I've worked with and a joy to be around.

What role or type of movie is on your "wish list" is there a classic role you'd love to play or a beloved book you'd like to see made into a film with you acting in the production?

I am getting kind of old to play Iago but that's been on my list for a while. I understudied it back when I was at the Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival in the early 70s. An actor's favorite role is usually his next one.