In my time spent writing for the Horror Asylum, I have been lucky enough to interview many of my favourite horror stars but this Halloween was extra special for me as I had a chat with King of the genre William Butler. Who else can claim that they have been killed by Jason Voorhees, Leatherface and Freddy Krueger? Who else has been fortunate enough to work with the likes of Tom Savini, Jeff Burr and even the Ghoulies? Not many people so read on for a lengthy chat with my childhood Idol Billy Butler King of Horror!!

When did you first decide that you wanted to act?
As far back as I can remember really. I was always very interested in acting, writing and creating. I was one of those kids who was completely happy just being locked in my room with a record player, a box of crayons and paper. I would plan out scary stories and plays and then force my sister and brother to perform with me for my family…sort of crazy and controlling now that I think of it!

In school, I did all the plays and skits…so, in other words I had the shit beat out of me a lot. When I was in the 6th grade, my parents gave me a super 8 movie camera and things got really interesting. From Christmas morning on I became obsessed and ate, breathed and slept filmmaking and acting. I think my folks eventually began to regret giving me that camera, because it ultimately turned into a very expensive and gruesome hobby that literally kept the entire family on the edge of their seats. My mother would often find her belongings splattered with stage blood or our family pets and young friends sporting fake compound fractures. I was interested in scaring people at a startlingly early age. I blame it on all of the Edgar Allen Poe I used to read. Perhaps I should go to a shrink someday and sort it all out.

How did you get started?
Well, I was enormously fat when I was in high school…pushing 290 actually. I spent a lot of time reading and studying about acting, I even appeared in lots of local theater, but was never taken seriously due to my enormity. I was constantly told by my father and others that I would never make it if I tried to go legit, mostly because I was too plain and fat…or just plain fat…and one day, when I turned seventeen, he said it one last time…and something just clicked in my head.

From that day forward, I went absolutely nuts with becoming the best I could be. I dieted and weight trained, I did every play and workshop I could take and when I turned twenty, I moved to Los Angeles. I was there three months when I booked my first job, which was Twisted Sister’s music video “Be Cruel to Your School” and I didn’t stop working for about twelve years after that. Later, when my father attended the premier of Night of the Living Dead, he bragged to everyone about how we always knew I would make it…aren’t parents great?!

Did you study acting?
When I got to Los Angeles, I studied with a legendary acting teacher named Stella Adler. She was an awesome, flamboyant old lady who was extremely supportive and knowledgeable about the business…she taught many of the huge stars that are out there today. After that I was in Los Angeles Theatersports, which is an improv company, I studied at The National Lampoon and with several other scene study classes. While I believe that study is good and makes you confident…I never forget that acting is the same as playing pretend and don’t ever take it too horribly seriously. When I am directing I encourage play and improvisation.

Your first genre appearance was in Terror Night which was written by Kenneth J. Hall. I read that the film was never released, is this true?
I think that it is actually coming out. I heard that Fred Ray recently bought the rights and is distributing it under a new title. It’s ironic that all this time would pass and the film would finally come out…makes me feel old actually - as I think I was like twenty one or so when I made it!

I met Ken Hall the first month I moved here, and found him to be one of the funniest people that I had ever met and we were instantly pals. I bugged him endlessly to get him to let me audition for one of his flicks, this was back when he was still writing and directing…and after much harassing, finally he caved. Not probably for thinking I had any talent but mostly to shut me up I am willing to bet. I guess I did alright because I booked the gig and we went into production.

For one reason or another, Ken eventually left the project and another director took over, ultimately that guy was fired and replaced with Andre De Toth. I was so thrilled as a hardcore fan to be working with the guy who directed “House of Wax”…only to be disappointed to find him to be a curmudgeon of sorts who was so old and without vision that he would often stumble into set walls and bring them tumbling down. He was constantly bitching and grumbling at everyone, always covered in band-aids and mercurochrome. Still I was in total awe…that guy was a legend. He died about two years ago…I can still remember his monocle and riding crop…he was strictly old school.

Now that I think of it, that whole movie seemed to be a springboard into the afterlife. Alan “Skipper” Hale who was also in the film died soon after he was done. Dan Haggarity who had a cameo croaked or overdosed and Cameron Mitchell and John Ireland died soon after appearing in the film. Many of the other actors just had their career die which is almost as bad as death itself. I guess you could call it the “Terror Night” curse.

It’s a shame that it didn’t come out when they first made it, because Ken’s script was quite good and I think the film could have done well at least on video. Maybe if the film comes out and makes money we can count on a sequel…wouldn’t that be a jaw dropper? I can see Staci Greason and I wheeling ourselves down some tattered hallway trying to escape the likes of David Soul and Bonnie Franklin.

You then appeared in Ghoulies II, how did you get the part?
Well, being the hardcore fan that I was, I quickly became friends with a lot of the horror industry folks. I grew up with John Vulich who now owns Optic Nerve, he was working for John Buechler and he introduced me…John and I became friends and again I begged him to let me audition to be in a Charlie Band film! I was and still am his biggest fan. I auditioned and got the part and was flown to Italy. I ended up working for the Band Company for many years after that…in both acting and production.

What were the Ghoulies like to work with?
Well, the “Fish” Ghoulie was classically trained, but the “Cat” Ghoulie was a total lush. Working with puppets is always tough, but that film was a total blast. We all had a lot of fun making that picture.

I remember the best story from that film, though there were tons of great stories as the fx guys were a hilariously motley crew…make-up effects lifers such as Mike Deak, Thom Floutz, Ken Hall and John Criswell were just a few of the kooky bunch that operated the slimy hand puppets and we laughed until our eyes bled…but anyway, the funniest thing that happened to me on that shoot was a story that I still tell to this day.

I had booked that part of Merle the nerd…yeah, yeah, I know - typecasting, and I was so excited because it was really the first part where I had more than a couple of lines. I really wanted to do a good job and to get Albert Band to like me. I mean the guy directed Dracula’s Dog for god’s sake! So anyway, I get to the set and was very prepared for my first scene…it took place in a spook house where the Ghoulies had been hiding out. I stood on my mark and waited for Mr. Band to call action…I was very nervous. I remember I tried to make chit-chat with the other actors as if I had done this all of my life.

Mr. Band climbed up into the crane chair as he puffed on a cigar - a total mini-mogul. “Let’s shoot this piece of shit”! he barked. Cameras rolled and he boredly called out “Action!” Clearly not thrilled with the project.

I went through the paces and did the scene as it was written…”Cut”! he yelled out - as the crane lowered him back to the ground. “Moving on!” He yelled to the crew. One take? I thought to myself…??? Did I get it right?? I sheepishly approached Mr. Band as he rattled in Italian to the first assistant. “Mr Band…” I whispered. “Yeah” ?! he barked back at me as if I were a stranger. “Uh, sorry to bother you sir, but was I good in that last take“? Was that what you wanted?” Mr. Band puffed on his cigar and smiled at me as he spoke…in mock contemplation he repeated “Was that good?” Was that what I wanted”? “Yes sir” I nodded. Without hesitation, he leaned over to the director of photography…”Was it in focus”?!! he growled. “Yup” the DP replied….he turned back to me…”Kid you were fucking brilliant”. Totally hilarious. He only cared that the shot was in focus. I never have forgotten that story still to this day.

You then squared up to Jason in Friday the 13th part VII. How did you first hear about the part and what was the audition process like?
I had worked with Buechler and heard word on the street that he was doing Friday. I flipped out! I was and still am the biggest Jason fan ever…I got my agent to get me an audition and ultimately went in. I still remember having to pretend that I was being killed in some office in Hollywood, while a bunch of execs ate sandwiches and watched in jaded boredom. I still attribute my booking the job to the fact that I hate the smell of hot mustard and it made me grimace better. I originally auditioned to play the stoner guy, but got Michael instead. I was so happy to be a part of the series. It was one of my happiest moments as an actor.

The film is one of my favourites. Were you pleased with the end result?
I love the film! I think John did a great job and I love the way Kane portrayed Jason, he was a leaner, meaner Jason and he kicked all of our asses. You had no problem pretending to be scared because if he caught you, you knew he’d really kick your ass. I still enjoy watching the film whenever it comes on television. Kane and I are still very good friends and I plan on putting him in as many of my directing jobs as I can.

The writer of the film apparently hated the final outcome, and said that the film was stupid because most of the male actors were gay, and as a result they looked stupid going around trying to get the girls into bed. Do you know if there was any truth behind this?
Well, I’m not sure which writer you were talking about because there were like eight of them, and I am not sure which actors you are talking about because most of them are married and have kids now…but you never know, maybe somebody got drunk and tested the waters of sexual curiosity…I hardly think that would influence an entire film. I guess that’s up to the fans to decide. No, I guess I wasn’t really that aware of my surroundings because I was more worried about doing a good acting job. Besides, Kevin Blair is one of the most butchest, pussy hounds I’ve ever met in my life…I bet he might clobber that guy if he ever heard him spreading such ridiculous, outrageous rumors. Sounds like it may be a bit of sour gay grapes.

Have you ever seen any of the cut footage that the fans are so desperate to see?
Yes John has it and it is SO DAMN GOOD!! The ratings bored really took out some great stuff. Maybe someday it will surface…maybe in the new boxset!

William: "The ratings bored really took out some great stuff".

Were you approached to be involved with any of the bonus materials for the upcoming boxset?
Yes and I am in the behind the scenes special. I will be the first in line to buy it. I hear it turned out fantastic!

Have you always been a huge fan of horror?
As soon as I was able to watch movies I totally loved the genre. I used to beg my grandmother, a total bible fanatic who was the head of her ladies church league to take me to see afternoon matinees of such greats as “The Devil’s Rain” “Race with the Devil” “The Exorcist” and other evil delights. I don’t think she every recovered when that geyser of pea soup went flying.

Why do you think you are so attracted to the genre?
Because I am basically fucked up…just kidding…I am and have always been a huge fan of fantasy and horror. When I was young, my mother turned me onto horror literature and I just eventually grew to love movies and television shows in the same genre. The idea of experiencing terror and knowing you will be okay in the end is an awesome feeling…in this day and age that feeling is more important than ever.

What are some of your favourite horror movies?
The Innocents, Friday the 13th, The Exorcist, The Wolfman, Dracula, The Omen, Dawn of the Dead, Night of the Living Dead, Alien, House on Haunted Hill, Carrie, Race with the Devil, The Howling, Tourist Trap.

You were next seen on the big screen in Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III which is the best of the sequels. How did you land the part of Ryan?
I had been doing “My Two Dad’s” an American sitcom and was spotted by the New Line casting director. I was nervous as hell because I had to read against like 300 other guys. I remember going into the lobby and seeing all of these very handsome dudes and thinking my god I don’t stand a chance.

For one reason or the other I kept getting called back in and I finally had to go audition for Robert Shaye, the owner of New Line Cinema. I remember hyperventilating in the bathroom before hand and doing breathing exercises to chill out. I went into Mr. Shaye’s office and did the scene where the car was running over the armadillo. He was very polite and excused me when I finished…later that night; I got the call that I had booked the job. I remember yelling so loud that Viggo Mortensen, my then time housemate, thought I was being murdered.

What was Jeff Burr like to work with?
Jeff Burr is the man! We are still friends. He is a fantastic director and I learned a lot working with him. I have a tremendous amount of respect for him. He had a really rough time on that film, but came up with a pretty cool movie despite all of the drama. I highly recommend his latest flick…Straight into Darkness, its brilliant!

Did you have high hopes for the film?
Not really. I approach every acting job for the work and never really thought much of whether or not the show is gonna be a big hit. You have to remember that I was never really famous, just living the ultimate fans dream come true by being in so many horror films and never really got into acting for the fame. If you look at my resume, you’ll see that I did a nice combo of bigger budget as well as cheesy horror flicks as well as main stream stuff. I basically just loved acting and did every gig I could get. I just wanted to be paid for what I genuinely loved.

Were you upset at what happened with the film (by that I mean all the censorship issues and bad feelings between Jeff and Mike DeLuca etc) or did you know what to expect?
No, like I said I did feel really bad for Jeff because they were really awful to him, but basically filmmaking is a rough process anyway and every show has a certain amount of drama. It’s really a miracle that any film is ever actually put together. There are so many things that are working against you…and everybody has their own set of problems…you can’t really point your finger at any one person and blame them.

Which is your favourite Chainsaw film?
The original, Tobe Hooper is my absolute idol. I have known him for a year or so and my knees still buckle when he is around.

Have you seen the remake and did you like it?
Yeah, I didn’t expect to like it and actually thought it was amazing. Those guys did a great job on putting a fresh spin on one of horrors national treasures!

Did the fact that Viggo had to torture you in the film put a strain on your friendship? I know that you lived with him for a few years?
Not at all, Viggo and I had a blast working in those scenes. He really put himself into that role…as he obviously does with all of his work. I was more worried about all the blood rushing to my head when I was hung upside down for so long. That was such a weird feeling. I remember being so dizzy afterwards and I was in the process of passing a kidney stone lol…not so glamorous hey?

Did you have any idea how famous Viggo would become?
No. Viggo constantly contemplated leaving show business and moving to the mountains in Idaho. In fact, he and his then wife bought property and were in the process of building a house when things really started to click for him. He was also never a fan of Hollywood or publicity or being the center of attention…which is why I was so shocked lately to see him appearing on Burger King happy meal boxes and as an action figure…I suppose it all comes with the territory. I am so proud of him as he has bust his ass to get everything that has come his way. He is one of the most genuine people you could ever meet. It’s a little known secret that he is actually a very very funny guy. One of these days he will end up in a comedy and blow everyone away.

Are you still friends?
Yes, though Viggo and I weathered through some insanely wild times together…I was the more insane, wilder of the two for sure. We lived in a split level house for five years and helped each other through a lot of the bullshit Hollywood offered up. I think after having lived through the struggle of trying to make a name for ourselves that we will always have good memories and a friendship. But sadly, these days we are both so busy, that we don’t get a chance to hang out as much as we would like, but I would drop anything for the guy or his kid and ex-wife at a moments notice, they helped me through some pretty tough times. I am so proud of the actor and man that he has become. I am hoping that one day we work on another movie project together.

You then got to work with Tom Savini on the remake of ‘Night of the Living Dead’ in 1990. What is Tom like to work with?
He’s a funny guy. He is very rowdy on set and you’d never know what to expect from him one moment to the next. I was keeping an eye on Henry, Viggo’s son while he was on Young Guns II and I heard that George Romero was looking for someone to play the new Tom in the remake. I asked my agents to speak with him and my pal Viggo put me on tape and we sent it in. I later found out that I got the job and flew straight from New Mexico to Pittsburg. I was so happy I am the hugest fan of Mr. Romero’s work and was thrilled to be in a remake of a classic. I had the best time working on that film it was a totally freaky experience being around all those zombies. Lunchtime will never be the same.

I also have to ask you what Tony Todd is like to work with?
He is such a great actor; I really enjoyed working with him. He has such a wonderful commanding presence and I would watch his work anytime. I remember being really intimidated by his great ability and presence. I would love to put him in a film I direct sometime.

What were your feelings about the project?
I had a great experience and made a lot of nice friends, but as a zombie fan I NEEDED MORE GORE!! I think that they tried to play too safe with the film to insure a proper rating and in turn the pic fell kind of short of the mark. I did however, love shooting guns and hanging out with all the cast and with my best pal John Vulich.

William: "But as a zombie fan I NEEDED MORE GORE!!".

You continued to act throughout the 1990's and then announced that you would be turning to writing and directing, why did you decide to make the leap from acting?
I just have always written and wanted to try my hand at directing. I had pretty much done everything I ever wanted to do with acting and needed a new challenge…plus I was getting older and it was time to pass the baton! How much cutlery can a guy run from in a lifetime?? Plus, auditioning is very tiring and requires a great deal of focus and commitment…I had neither at that stage of my life. Eventually, I realized that writing and directing is what I should have been doing all along. It’s really what I do best.

The announcement also mentioned that you had written scripts for Return of the Living Dead 4 & 5 but the projects seemed to stall. What happened?
I was approached by Tom Fox, the owner of the title, and was asked to come up with some stories that would get the franchise back on track. They were looking to do something totally the opposite of part 3, which I also liked. We came up with some ideas and a couple of them gelled. We wrote both scripts on and off for six months and two years and a thousand rewrites later…the projects finally got a green light.

Later, there was a tremendous amount of drama attached to the pics due to the fact that so many people had the rights tied up. The producer would get something going, only to find that someone else would pop up and claim that they owned the franchise. After so many false starts everything finally got signed off and they both came together!

Of course the projects are now filming, do you have much involvement?
No. My partner Aaron Strongoni and I wrote both scripts and handed them over. We had worked so hard this last year we decided to take the summer off. I understand that the director polished the scripts to his liking so I don’t even really know what they are about anymore. I do know that Anatoly Fradis, the producer has a great deal of respect for the franchise so I am sure they will turn out great.

Can you tell us any plot details?
Part four involves a group of rowdy skate board kids that accidentally discover a secret military lab where the government is trying to create the ultimate soldier/zombie hybrid. After one of their pals becomes the labs human guinea pig, the gang decides to make use of their never ending thirst for trouble and break in and to save him…only to find they have accidentally released hundreds of flesh eaters.

The script we turned in was a careful mix of action and laughs, Tom Fox wanted part four to be an homage to the first film. We wrote tons of cameos for the original cast members and staff…but they got written out. Sadly, Tom passed away this last July so he will never have got the chance to see if they pulled it off. I have a good feeling that despite the changes the movies will be great!

You have also directed the upcoming horror movie Madhouse, when can we expect to see it?
I’m not sure, I know it opens in foreign theaters world wide on Sept 10th..I think…but in the USA it will be released by Lion’s Gate’s DVD label. When they bought Artisan this year, I am afraid all of the lower budget flicks that they picked up got back burnered domestically speaking.

Can you tell us a bit about the story and where you got the idea to write it from?
It’s a story about a young intern who gets a job in an old asylum and slowly realizes that nothing there is as it seems. It’s a creepy, low key homage to all of the old Haunted House films that I used to love in the sixties and seventies. A story about people and their lies, pasts and secrets. I was inspired to create the project by my favorite film The Innocents starring Debra Kerr. I love stories where there is no one clear cut Villain.

The film has a great cast. How did they all become involved? Did they just audition or were they approached?
They all auditioned except for Lance Henriksen who we begged to be in the picture.

How do you feel that the shoot went, and are there any funny stories about the making of the film?
The shooting went well, we shot the whole thing in four weeks and with three million dollars so things were very tight. Luckily, we had the best crew Romania could offer and a wonderful support team in Los Angeles. I was so fortunate to do my first movie with such a high brow group such as Lakeshore. Usually one has to go to a bowling alley to find a director of my caliber.

As for funny stories, Id have to say that I laughed the hardest, when the Romanians had my set exorcised by a priest and two rugged young alter boys because they believed that the asylum that we were shooting in was really haunted and that there was tuberculosis festering within the walls of the building…leftover from an 18th century plague that wiped out everyone in the area years ago... that’s freaky but true.

And I guess if you consider being forced to eat boiled ham for every single meal funny, then that was a scream as well. Great place…food sucks though.

The film was originally intended to be a theatrical release, but last I heard it was going straight to DVD. Is there any news on this matter?
Like I said - sadly, when Lion’s Gate bought Artisan, they were contractually obligated to release the bigger films they acquired first like The Punisher, Godsend and stuff like that. My little 3 million dollar movie didn’t stand a chance against all of those heavy hitters. I guess they only release so many theatrical films a year. It’s a bummer because the reviews have been so good so far…but I guess that’s the way the madhouse crumbles! I will just have to fight harder on the next one!

You are now working on The Gingerdead Man, what stage is the project at?
It’s moments from going into production. Keep your fingers crossed!

Are the Gingerdead Men going to be CG?
Part CG, part puppets, part little people in suits, part real evil cookie monsters he - he he…evil never tasted so good!

What else can we expect from you in the future?
Well, aside from attending oodles of Friday the 13th 25th anniversary conventions…I have several projects bouncing out and about. CIRCLE OF SIX, a ghost story about six murdered midwives that come back to haunt the members of a church congregation, CHRONIC, government grown marijuana that makes you wanna kill…kill…kill!!! LITTLE OLD LADY FROM PASADENA…a comedy best described as Freaky Friday meets Mame…and several commercials for Disney as I am one of their regular freelance directors…oh yes, I will also be cutting the ribbon at the new Shoney’s coffee shop in New Jersey. Just kiddin. I’m a busy boy these days!!!

I have to ask, in the documentary The Saw is Family, you state that you were probably the only person who can say that they were killed by Jason, Leatherface and Freddy and that the only person who didn't kill you was Michael Myers. When exactly did Freddy kill you? I'm assuming that it was on an ep of Freddy's Nightmares but I can't see it amongst your other credits?
I was in the un-aired pilot of Freddy’s Nightmares in which Freddy killed me…I died of fear when I was locked in a tiny room! The pilot was later re-shot with much less Freddy participation.

Looking back, how does it feel to have been a part of some of the biggest horror franchises in history?
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…I am the luckiest film geek in the world!

Finally, would you ever consider returning to acting?
I still do act every now and then but only as favors for friends, I am way too into my current gig to worry about looking pretty for the camera anymore. But who knows if Michael Myers calls maybe I will pull out my SAG card and run screaming! Was that the boogey man????

"Thank you ever so much for taking part in this interview William.
And we wish you the very best of luck in the future."