Classically trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Englund began his career as a stage actor in regional theatre and made his film debut in Buster and Billie (1974), followed by supporting roles in films such as Stay Hungry (1976), A Star Is Born (1976), and Big Wednesday (1978). Englund had his breakthrough as the resistance fighter Willie in the miniseries V in 1983. Following his performance in the original A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), he became closely associated with the horror film genre, and is widely regarded as one of its iconic actors. He reprised his role as Freddy in seven sequels, as well as the horroranthology seriesFreddy's Nightmares (1988–1990).
Englund had five successful years performing in regional theater[6] including plays by Shakespeare and Bernard Shaw. He married for the first time in 1966 to a nurse Elizabeth Gardner.[7] Shortly afterward, he returned to the West Coast in search of film work, and landed a supporting role in the film Buster and Billie, directed by Daniel Petrie.[6]
Career
In 1976, Englund auditioned for the roles of Han Solo and Luke Skywalker in Star Wars. While he didn't get either part, he suggested Mark Hamill for the role of Luke.[8][9] Englund appeared in the 1977 film Eaten Alive directed by Tobe Hooper. He then played Ranger in Galaxy of Terror, produced by Roger Corman, which was released in 1981. Since then, Englund has made over 100 appearances on film and television. In his early film roles, Englund was usually cast as a nerd or a redneck, and he first gained attention in the role of Visitor technician and resistance fighter Willie in the 1983 miniseries V, as well as the 1984 sequel V: The Final Battle, and V: The Series, in which he was a regular cast member.
Englund's portrayal of Freddy Krueger is notable for its longevity, with Englund playing the same character in eight consecutive films. Englund has said that he enjoys the role of Freddy as it gives him a break from always acting out the nice guy;[citation needed] indeed, many people[who?] who have worked with Englund attest to his congeniality. Makeup artists responsible for the Krueger makeup have commented that Englund was so friendly and talkative that it made the lengthy makeup application slightly more challenging.[11]
His work in voice-over animation includes magician Felix Faust in Justice League,The Riddler on The Batman,The Vulture on The Spectacular Spider-Man, and as Dormammu on The Super Hero Squad Show. On the TV witch drama Charmed (Episode: "Size Matters"), he appeared as a demon who used the services of a lackey to lure people into a decrepit household (where he lived in the walls) and shrank them down to action figure size. He also appeared on an episode of Married... with Children as The Devil. Another appearance was in a 2010 season episode of the television spy send-up Chuck, as a scientist who created a fear-inducing nerve toxin, a similar character to the Scarecrow, one of Batman's enemies in the DC Comics (A character he later portrayed in the video game Injustice 2).
Englund performed as host of the Horror Hall of Fame awards show three times, from 1990 to 1992.[4]
Englund in 2008
Englund made his directorial debut with the 1988 horror film 976-EVIL, co-written by future Oscar winner Brian Helgeland and starring Stephen Geoffreys. During production, Englund met set decorator Nancy Booth, whom he married.[4] His second feature, Killer Pad, was released direct-to-DVD in 2008. During July 2013, he was in pre-production to direct The Vij, about a young priest who is led by an evil genie to commit murder, and who falls in love with an old witch who is not what she seems.
Englund also directed 2 episodes of “Freddy's Nightmares”. The first was “Cabin Fever” and the second “Monkey Dreams”.
His memoir, Hollywood Monster: A Walk Down Elm Street with the Man of Your Dreams, which Alan Goldsher transcribed from his dictations, was published by Pocket Books on October 13, 2009.
Englund noted he would welcome a guest appearance in the ABC revival of V in an interview with Todd Sokolove from Forces of Geek.[14] But the series was canceled before he could make such a guest appearance.
In January 2010, it was announced that Englund would return as Jackson Roth for the sequel to Dee Snider's Strangeland, titled Strangeland II: Disciple.[15] However, as of December 2010, no specific dates or plans had been made regarding the project.
Englund made a guest appearance in "The Death of the Queen Bee" episode of Bones,[16] appearing as a quirky janitor at protagonist Dr. Temperance Brennan's old high school.[17][failed verification] His character, a friend of Brennan's, and situation were introduced as "very creepy... it's like Freddy creepy." Englund was a special guest at the 2010 Streamy Awards,[18][failed verification] and also appeared as a special guest of the CA Weekend of Horrors on October 8, 2010.[19]
Although the character of Freddy Krueger is regarded as one of the most terrifying in cinema history, Englund is often described by fellow actors and film crews as being extremely friendly and appreciative of his fans, many admitting that his portrayal of Krueger frightened them as children.
He starred in The Last Showing and Fear Clinic, the latter was released on October 22, 2014, at the Screamfest Film Festival. Englund was also a special guest at Shock Comic Con on Valentine's Day 2015.[23] In February 2016, Englund hosted a "Nightmare on Elm Street" marathon on El Rey Network.[24]
As of 2020, Englund has been hosting the Travel Channel show True Terror with Robert Englund, which showcases scary but true stories about the supernatural or strange.[26][27]
In 2022, Englund appeared in the fourth season of the Netflix series Stranger Things as Pennhurst Mental Hospital patient Victor Creel.[28] In keeping with the series' 1980's setting and homages, the character's first appearance includes a nod to Englund's most famous character.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 "Robert Englund (visual voices guide)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved October 1, 2023. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.
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