PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Since our inception in 2016, PopHorror has always had an affinity for the black swans and humble beasts of the horror community. There are no pretty boys here. Creators of genre cinema have passion, spark and love for the creatures they bring to life, and it shows in every meet-and-greet, convention panel and fan selfie that they are asked to do. One of the greatest of these is Actor Sid Haig, a man who’s devotion to the horror industry has gone on for nearly 60 years.
One of the 80 year-old’s very first roles was as The Mummy on The Lucy Show back in 1965, and then went on to play characters in the Bond film Diamonds Are Forever (1971), Wonder Woman (1973), Spider Baby or, the Maddest Story Ever Told (1967), Galaxy Of Terror (1981), Blood Bath (1965), Foxy Brown (1974), Jackie Brown (1997), Beware! The Blob (1972) and Death Car On The Freeway (1979), with bit parts in other TV series such as Batman, Star Trek, Jason of Star Command, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, Amazing Stories, Misfits Of Science, Monster Squad, Werewolf, The Dukes of Hazzard, The A-Team, Fantasy Island, Charlie’s Angels, The Six Million Dollar Man and so many more, before Rob Zombie rediscovered him and put him in his “Feel So Numb” music video in 2001. The rest is history.
His death on September 21, 2019, was a shock to the horror community. The previous Instagram report on his health (he had been suffering from a lung affliction) from his wife, 47-year-old Susan L. Oberg, was a positive one, and fans were uplifted with the news. Unfortunately, life is not always like the movies, and rather than rally just before the closing credits, our beloved Captain Spaulding went to meet his Maker this past Sunday. The PopHorror writers are devastated by this news, and we all have a little bit to say about this talented and humble horror icon.
Jason Burke:
“Sid Haig managed to put energy and fun into his characters that few others ever could. You could tell he was passionate about his craft. He was able to bring life to one of the most vulgar and in-your-face characters of modern horror history while being regarded as one of the nicest men in the genre. You’ll be missed, Captain.”
Kenn Hoekstra:
“Horror fans laud Captain Spaulding, myself included, but Sid was on my TV just about every week growing up. His guest appearances included shows like Star Trek, Buck Rogers, Batman, The A-Team, T.J. Hooker, MacGyver, Quincy, The Six Million Dollar Man, The Dukes Of Hazzard, Jason Of Star Command. The list goes on and on. His TV bio is unreal. One of the hardest working actors in Hollywood, and a big part of my childhood. He even did a JAMES BOND film! His best role? Himself. By all accounts, he was a stand up guy who loved interacting with his fans. He will be missed.”
Stacie Marie:
“Over the years at conventions, I have had the pleasure of listening to Sid talk about his life and career. Whether it was how he studied dance as a child to meeting Pam Grier to how Tutty Fruity came to be, he had a great way of telling a story. I feel so lucky to have had those experiences.”
Jazmine Hiller:
“I always loved seeing him in Rob Zombie’s films, because even if he had to be this horrible person, he still managed to bring a likability to the character. As Captain Spaulding, he has one of the best lines in the film… ‘Tutti fucking fruity!'”
Kevin Scott:
“He literally was in everything I watched growing up. From the Dukes of Hazzard to the A Team. I found him again later and realized he was an exploitation film legend even before that. To have him come full circle as a horror icon in the twilight of his career makes me realize that everything that ever inspired me had Sid Haig walk through it at some point. Definitely can’t say that about everyone. RIP Sid. God bless.”
Danni Winn:
“Sid Haig was one of the very first celebrities I met way back at my first convention, Texas Frightmare Weekend. I was so fucking nervous to meet him, but Sid was so incredibly sweet and genuinely seemed to love his interactions with fans.”
Zachary Howard:
“The first time I saw Sid was in House of 1000 Corpses. Me, my brother, and some friends rented it and couldn’t control ourselves when he was in a scene. He had that insane charisma that meshed with our group back then. His further chemistry with Bill Moseley and Sherri Moon Zombie in Devil’s Rejects helped further my admiration for this crazy, foul-mouthed dude! His brief cameo in Rob’s Halloween helped me look into who this guy was. I honestly didn’t realize how far back his career went and was soon won over! Whenever he’s in anything, I really geek out, just because I love watching him work. He was like a demented, down to earth individual, if there ever was someone like that! May he rest in peace!”
Tracy Allen:
“I was blown away when I found out he got his start in show business as a tap dancer, and that he actually used to play the drums for the band, The T-birds. It was so great to see him brought back to film by Rob Zombie, who remembered watching him on TV when he was a little kid. He found a whole new generation of horror fans.”
April Dumont:
“I had a major fear of clowns until he played Captain Spaulding. After that, I loved them! Honestly, I think he made that character so unique that no one else could have played him. He always will be my favorite serial killer clown.”
Karli Ray:
“When I first watched Sid perform in The Devil’s Rejects, he immediately became one of my favorite horror icons. He gave a performance of Captain Spaulding that no one else on Earth could have done. I, unfortunately, never had the chance to meet him. However, from what I’ve heard in the horror community, he was an absolute sweetheart. He’d flip off the world and not give a fuck, then turn around and give you one of the sweetest smiles. He’s impacted me for many years, and seeing him on-screen always made me so happy. I know he’s in heaven right now, enjoying his tutti fucking fruity! RIP, Sid! You’ve brought a lot of joy to your fans, and now it’s time to rest.”
Brandon Long:
“Like many horror fans, my first introduction to Sid was as Captain Spaulding. He stood out to me for his seemingly misplaced nonchalant clown of a character with a foul mouthed attitude. Little did I realize, he was in so much more before Rob Zombie’s films. I keep hearing how kind he was to fans, and I wish I had met him in person. RIP Sid.”
Josh Burns:
“Sid was well know for his massive onscreen presence and huge personality he brought with him. He shot what could have just been a small side character to icon status, seemingly effortlessly. But what some people may not know is, he had an entirely different, yet still massive, personality in person. He’s all heart and will weather just about anything for the fans, even putting them before his own health. He wasn’t just a great actor, he was also a great person that lit up every convention he’s been in.”
Anna Ace:
“I remember watching shows on Nick at Night where Sid made guest appearances, and although I didn’t recognize him then, he made such a huge impact on me as a horror lover. There were many different reasons why I would be in favor of an antagonist, and with Captain Spaulding, it was Sid’s unique charm and skill of performing that did it. He was able to tug at viewers in a way that we resonated with that character, for whatever reason. Off camera, he was a sweet and gentle human being that reciprocated the love he received from his fans. The outpouring of appreciation posts on social media is true testament of that. ?”
Connor Strader:
“Sid Haig was an unparalleled talent in film, with a career spanning multiple decades and collaborations with some of the most iconic filmmakers of all time. In his time as an actor, he worked with George Lucas, Quentin Tarantino, and so many more. He was a staple of the blaxploitation era, and even landed a role in a Bond film. As Captain Spaulding, he gifted the horror genre with yet another iconic figurehead, on par with the classics. Beloved by both his peers and fans, his talent and versatility will be greatly missed.”
Laura Plant:
“Sid had a history in, and loyalty to, the horror world that clearly mirrored his heart. What a gift it is to be able to devote your life to what you love, and live it the way you want to. He died young but what a wonderful and charmed life he led! He inspires me every day to do the same.”
Wade Wanio:
“Sid Haig as Ralph really helped me appreciate Spider Baby, which was weird enough of a movie already. He seemed to elevate every role he was in (Get it? Elevate? Because his character primarily moved via dumb-waiter through his family home?)”
Preston Holt:
“I remember how impressed I was with him the first time I had saw him in House of 1000 Corpses. Feeling entranced, I felt like he was the absolute best part of that film. The Devils Rejects was the first rated R film I went to see by myself. Seems like a such a small thing now, but man, at the time, it was such a big deal. The moment he stepped out into the screen, he stole the show. He had such an energy around him. One minute, he was this charming clown, and the next, he was absolutely terrifying. It reminded me of Tim Curry’s portrayal of Pennywise. The horror community has lost a giant chunk of its soul today, and it’s effected me a lot more than I thought it would. Fly high, Sid. You will be missed immensely by all of us.”
Lacy Lou:
“Sid was one of those people whose presence you could just feel. He made everyone feel like family, even if you only shared a few words. He was truly grateful for the genre that is horror. We lost an icon. But through his films, fans, family and friends, his infamy will go on. Goodnight to the only Captain I know. R.I.P ?”
Matthew Solomon:
“Was anyone more accessible to the fans than Sid? We’ve lost legends, but this one hurts so hard because he’s touched so many lives on a personal level. Whether through his amazing career, or his seemingly countless convention appearances, it’s near impossible to find a horror fan who wasn’t impacted by Sid in some lasting way. Gone, but never ever forgotten. Rest well, Captain.”
Jennifer Bonges:
“I remember looking forward to House of a 1000 Corpses. The film did not disappoint. The cast is great. Sid made Captain Spaulding, who ended up being one of my favorite horror characters of all time. What was really cool was that he was a legend even before House of a 1000 Corpses. That film introduced him to a new generation and breathed life into his career. He was hard working and had many memorable roles through the years. Just an outstanding character actor. I also loved his appreciation and devotion to his fans. Genuinely, he was a man of great character.
“I didn’t get the chance to meet him, but his presence, character and devotion to his craft and fans stood out through the countless stories I’ve heard. He was a special person and is a great loss to not only the horror community, but the the human race as a whole.
“There will never be another Sid Haig, and no one will forget him.”
Chris Prevost:
“Sid Haig was not just a horror icon. He was an ambassador of the genre. Sid was everyone’s uncle in this horror family we all love. Rest well, Uncle Sid, and thank you for the memories.”
Tiffany Blem:
“Sid Haig was one of the few celebrities who genuinely wanted to hear what you had to say, and was always keen on contributing to the conversation. He was there for the fans and didn’t make it about money. He wanted every person there to have the same experience, even if they had nothing. He was 100% part of the horror family and wore his horror badge proudly. He will be missed.”
AJ Friar:
“It took me the longest time to like The Devils Rejects and House of 1000 Corpses. I do love his work. It just took me awhile to appreciate it. After speaking with Bill Moseley, he seemed like a gentle soul.”
Tori Danielle Romero:
I unfortunatly never got to meet Sid. It’s something I’ll always regret. Although I enjoy all his films, his role as Captain Spaulding will always be the most iconic to me. He was the first clown I ever loved. Sid was a true fucking legend who cared about everyone especially his fans.
Sid Haig was not just a spoke in the horror community wheel. He was part of the power that helped that wheel spin. His characters will go on to inspire those who will come after him. As for now, he is missed. RIP, Sid.
