Glendale-born actor Robert Englund became the latest star to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Friday.
Englund is best known for his rendition of Freddy Krueger in the original 1984 horror film “A Nightmare on Elm Street.”
His star is located in front of Larry Edmunds Bookshop, Englund’s favorite bookstore that focuses on film and theater history. It was also where his former Hollywood roommates worked.
“I wouldn’t be here without the fans,” Englund said at the unveiling. “Thanks for supporting me, thanks for going down rabbit holes on the internet (and) finding my old movies,” Englund said.
Eli Roth and Heather Langenkamp, who co-produced and co-starred in films, recalled some of the memories they had from working with him.
“Robert is not just a horror royalty. He’s truly a gem in every way,” Roth, who co-starred with Englund in the comedy-horror movie “2001 Maniacs,” said. “(He’s) a cinematic and theatrical treasure.”
Langenkamp, who played opposite Englund as Nancy Thompson in “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” said she will never forget how well he brought his character’s voice to life.
“It was gravely. It was sneering,” Langenkamp said. “There was a little spittle involved. It set your teeth on edge.”
The Glendale native took his first acting class when he was 12 years old and quickly developed a passion for it, according to a biography provided by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.
The actor honed his craft at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts at Oakland University near Detroit, eventually returning home to California after spending five years performing plays on the East Coast.
Englund landed his first major role in the 1974 crime film “Buster and Billie.” He also acted in other films, including “Stay Hungry” and “Big Wednesday,” during his early career.
His breakout role was in the 1983 NBC sci-fi miniseries “V,” in which he played Willie, a resistance fighter.
After the miniseries’ success, Englund wanted to expand his talents and auditioned for what would become “A Nightmare on Elm Street.” Director Wes Craven took a chance on Englund for the role of Freddy Krueger, a character who needed the theatrical background Englund had.
Englund went on to perform as Kreuger in all seven entries of the “A Nightmare on Elm Street” franchise and in the crossover film “Freddy vs. Jason.”
His acting earned him The Life Career Award, which is given by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films to performers for their work within those genres.
Englund’s star is the 2,826th to be imprinted on Hollywood Boulevard.
Source: NBC Los Angeles
Be First to Comment