My stage debut was as Hamlet’s dead father, portraying him as a tall posh skeleton. This triumph was followed in Richard III, as the remains of a young prince which I interpreted as a tall posh skeleton.
I began attracting starring roles, and was propelled into the film world when, in Psycho (1960), I wore women’s clothing for the very first time. The seed of an idea was planted and, after working with director Ed Wood for five years, I realised the unlimited possibilities of tall posh skeletons who dressed in women’s clothing. I went on to wear women’s clothing in thirteen major motion pictures, including the Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) and Star Wars (1977), heartbreaking as the remains of Aunt Beru.
With the onslaught of special effects came the demise of real actors in these sorts of roles. After modeling for CGI skeletons in Total Recall (1990) and Toys (1992), the only possible step forward for a tall posh skeleton was television, imparting my knowledge and expertise of the arts.
I currently host THE SCHLOCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW seen on TVS Sydney Channel 44 every Friday evening, presenting the very best of the worst films you’re ever likely to see.