Fright Night: Cast & Facts You Didn't Know!

Have you ever wondered what lurks beneath the veneer of suburban normalcy, where the shadows lengthen and the night holds secrets? "Fright Night," the 1985 American horror film, dares to peel back that facade, revealing a world of supernatural terror that continues to captivate audiences decades after its initial release.

Written and directed by Tom Holland in his directorial debut, "Fright Night" plunges us into the life of teenager Charley Brewster, played by William Ragsdale, who becomes convinced that his new neighbor is, in fact, a vampire. With a cast including Chris Sarandon as the seductive vampire Jerry Dandridge, Amanda Bearse as Charley's girlfriend Amy Peterson, and the legendary Roddy McDowall as Peter Vincent, a washed-up actor and vampire hunter, the film masterfully blends horror, comedy, and suspense.

The film's success spawned a remake in 2011, directed by Craig Gillespie and starring Anton Yelchin, Colin Farrell, and David Tennant. This modern take, while offering a fresh perspective, stays true to the core premise: a teenager's desperate fight against the undead. This iteration, produced by DreamWorks Pictures and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures through the Touchstone Pictures label, further demonstrates the enduring power of the original story. The screenplay was adapted by Marti Noxon.

But beyond the plot, it is the performances of the original cast that continue to resonate. The actors brought a certain charm, depth and intensity that continues to enchant, proving that with the right alchemy of talent, even a zany band of night creatures can touch eternity. In the years since its release, "Fright Night" has become a cult classic, a testament to its enduring appeal, proving the effectiveness of its horror and the depth of its characters.

Let's delve into the lives and careers of some of the key players who breathed life into this iconic horror story:

Actor Role in "Fright Night" (1985) Birth Date Notable Works Career Highlights Link
William Ragsdale Charley Brewster January 19, 1961 "Herman's Head," "Man of the House," "Gettysburg" Ragsdale's portrayal of Charley, the teenage vampire hunter, is a cornerstone of the film's charm. He also appeared in the sitcom "Herman's Head" as the protagonist. IMDB
Chris Sarandon Jerry Dandridge July 24, 1942 "Dog Day Afternoon," "The Princess Bride," "The Nightmare Before Christmas" Sarandon's portrayal of the charismatic vampire Jerry Dandridge is chilling and seductive, making him a memorable villain. He has had a long and distinguished career in both film and television, providing the voice of Jack Skellington. IMDB
Amanda Bearse Amy Peterson August 9, 1958 "Married... with Children" (as Marcy D'Arcy), "The Doom Generation" Bearse played Charley's girlfriend, Amy. Her comedic timing made the character very loved. She achieved further fame for her role as Marcy D'Arcy in the long-running sitcom "Married... with Children" IMDB
Roddy McDowall Peter Vincent September 17, 1928 "How Green Was My Valley," "Planet of the Apes," "That Darn Cat!" McDowall delivers a brilliant portrayal of Peter Vincent, the faded horror actor. His combination of humor, arrogance, and underlying vulnerability is one of the film's highlights. He was a prolific and versatile actor. IMDB
Stephen Geoffreys Evil Ed November 22, 1964 "Heaven Help Us" Geoffreys brought a blend of wild energy and manic intensity to his role as Evil Ed, Charley's friend. IMDB

The 2011 remake, while revisiting familiar territory, offers a fresh perspective on the classic story, introducing a new generation to the thrills and chills of "Fright Night". The movie's screenplay was adapted by Marti Noxon, and directed by Craig Gillespie. The film, produced by DreamWorks Studios, was distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures through the Touchstone Pictures label. Anton Yelchin, as the new Charley, and Colin Farrell, as Jerry Dandridge, brought new life to the story.

Actor Role in "Fright Night" (2011) Birth Date Notable Works Career Highlights Link
Anton Yelchin Charley Brewster March 11, 1989 "Star Trek" (2009), "Star Trek Into Darkness," "Green Room" Yelchin's portrayal of the young vampire hunter brought a youthful energy to the role. The actor tragically passed away in 2016. IMDB
Colin Farrell Jerry Dandridge May 31, 1976 "In Bruges," "Miami Vice," "The Batman" Farrell's Dandridge is a modern, menacing vampire, adding a dark edge to the character. The actor has had a successful career in Hollywood. IMDB
David Tennant Peter Vincent April 18, 1971 "Doctor Who," "Good Omens," "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" Tennant's Peter Vincent provides comedic relief and vampire-hunting expertise to the story, offering a fresh take on the classic character. IMDB
Imogen Poots Amy Peterson June 5, 1989 "28 Weeks Later," "Green Room," "Need for Speed" Poots brought a contemporary approach to the role of Amy Peterson, portraying Charley's girlfriend. IMDB
Christopher Mintz-Plasse Evil Ed June 20, 1989 "Superbad", "Kick-Ass", "This is the End" Mintz-Plasse took on the role of Charley's friend. IMDB

In the realm of entertainment, "Fright Night" has made a lasting impression with its themes of adolescence, fear, and the exploration of the monsters that can live in the suburbs. "Fright Night" isn't merely a horror movie; it is a cultural artifact, a film that has been able to transcend its genre to be something that continues to be talked about, analyzed, and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

The lasting impact of "Fright Night" is evident in its enduring popularity and the conversations it inspires. Whether you're a fan of the original, the remake, or both, the film continues to find ways to scare and entertain.

The success of "Fright Night" is a testament to the film's quality. The 1985 film was written and directed by Tom Holland and produced by Herb Jaffe. It's a story that transcends the boundaries of time, its impact on film and entertainment is undeniable.

Fright Night Full Cast & Crew TV Guide
Fright Night Full Cast & Crew TV Guide
Fright Night (2011) Full Cast & Crew IMDb
Fright Night (2011) Full Cast & Crew IMDb
Fright Night Cast Me and the cast and crew of Fright Night… Flickr
Fright Night Cast Me and the cast and crew of Fright Night… Flickr

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