Sid Haig is a legend in horror and exploitation cinema. Hes worked in numerous game-changing films, from Spider Baby to House of 1,000 Corpses. Shock Till You Drop had the opportunity to chat with Haig about his new film Creature, working with Rob Zombie and his role in the upcoming The Lords of Salem.
Sid Haig: It was basically the way I get all my jobs. My manager submitted me for the role and they said “Yeah” and that was it.
Shock: What was your experience working with, director Fred Andrews?
Haig: It was a very positive experience. He was a first time director, but he had been in the business for a long time. You cant spend that much time around sets, watching things go on, and being involved to the extent that he was without knowing whats really going on. He knew what he was doing and we had a good time together.
Shock: We talked with Fred Andrews recently and it sounds like he had a lot of fun making the film. What was the atmosphere like on the set of Creature?
Haig: The atmosphere was really good. We were all having a good time, laughing, joking, and watching out for alligators. It was all good.
Shock: You’ve worked several times with Rob Zombie. What was that like?
Haig: It was, and always has been, excellent. I just finished working on Lords of Salem with him and its always a good time. Hes very sharp. He knows what he wants and he knows how to get it. Its been a totally positive experience with him, all the way down the line.
Shock: What can you tell us about your role in his new film, The Lords of Salem?
Haig: Its one of those things where I am sworn to secrecy. I will say that I play a witch hunter in 1692.
Shock: You have played a lot of epic roles over the past several decades. Who or what has served as inspiration for your work?
Haig: I get my inspiration for doing stuff by living life and remembering people that Ive met and their personalities. Certainly Lon Chaney Jr. was the biggest inspiration for me, when we did Spider Baby, all those years ago, and its getting an Academy restoration, as a matter of fact. That was an opportunity to work with some really great people, going all the way back to the early 60s. As far as comedy goes, I was fortunate enough to work with Lucille Ball, Bob Hope, Red Skelton, Don Adams, and all those big comedy people in the early 60s. Peter Gray, Mike Connors. There were a whole host of people. I worked with Sean Connery. He was great to work with. Ive been a very fortunate person.
Haig: Oh, yeah. I just finished one. Im doing one in Detroit, MI Motor City Nightmares from April 27-29, and Fright Night Film Fest from June 29-July 1 in Louisville, KY, Im also doing Horror Realm Sept 21-23rd Pittsburgh, PA. Im talking with a couple of people about doing shows in between those, as well. It looks like I will be doing at least one convention per month. Im starting to book up the year just like always.
Shock: Thanks so much for talking with us.
Haig: My pleasure. Its not often that I get to talk with people about projects that I do, but when I have the opportunity to do it, its a very good deal.
