2.03.2010

BADASS: My Salute to the Black Men and Women of Horror



It’s February, also known as Black History Month. In celebration, I’m giving a big shout out to some of my personal favorites of the horror genre (as well as Blaxploitation, sci-fi, action) that also happen to be black. Check it out.
Tony Todd:
This dude is not only a mammoth in stature, but he has a voice that will hit you like a fist in the solar plexus.
Filmography of Note: Night of the Living Dead (Savini remake), Candyman, Final Destination, Hatchet
Fred Williamson:
The absolute KING of Blaxploitation. He is too cool for school and will kick your ass in two seconds.
Filmography of Note:  Black Caesar, Boss, Joshua, Vigilante, From Dusk Till Dawn
Pam Grier:
The definitive QUEEN of Blaxploitation. One hot momma who will take ya’ out if you cross her…no questions asked.
Filmography of Note: Coffy, Scream Blacula Scream, Foxy Brown, Escape from L.A., Jackie Brown, Bones
William Marshall:
A truly refined actor of African and Cherokee heritage.  His traditional theatrical style won’t stop him from ripping out your trachea.
Filmography of Note: Blacula, Scream Blacula Scream, Abby
Ken Foree:
A pure legend and an all-around kick-ass guy. He’s also into the restaurant business and I bet me makes a mean sandwich.
Filmography of Note: Dawn of the Dead, From Beyond, Texas Chainsaw Massacre III, The Devil’s Rejects, Halloween (remake)
Miguel A. Nunez Jr.:
You may know him for his fast-talking punk characters. This guy seems to pop up everywhere.
Filmography of Note: Friday the 13th: A New Beginning, The Return of the Living Dead, Leprechaun 4: In Space
Wesley Snipes:
Although he owes the IRS money, I bet he can kick their ass. He only makes the list for his half-vampire, half-human role.
Filmography of Note: Passenger 57, Demolition Man, Blade 1-3, The Art of War
Will Smith:
Although not a horror actor necessarily, he has been in a large share of genre films all together. Plus, he just seems like a cool person. Oh and he’s friends with Ken Foree.
Filmography of Note: Bad Boys, Men in Black, Independence Day, I am Legend


Other Memorable Appearances:



Carol Speed in Abby
Deon Richmond in Hatchet
Naomie Harris in
28 Days Later
Duane Jones as Ben in
Night of the Living Dead
Mekhi Phifer and Ving Rhames in
Dawn of the Dead (remake)
Jada Pinkett Smith in
Scream 2
Coach and Rochelle from
Left 4 Dead 2
Louis from
Left 4 Dead

6 comments:

  1. Great list and Fred Williamson DOES kick a ton of ass in the least amount of time possible! Thanks for spotlighting some of these great actors!

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  2. WIlliamson and Foree are the twin gods of kick ass! And Jaded Viewer you are GODDAMN RIGHT about PASSENGER 57 2!

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  3. Very awesome, I love this list. It wouldn't have been complete with Tony Todd who's an horror icon in my book.

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  4. Excellent picks and I am so happy to see Miguel on there! Such a great bit player in so many of our favorite films!

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