Carolina Fear Fest 2023

Last weekend, I treated Stephanie to an unforgettable birthday celebration at Carolina Fear Fest. As a devoted horror enthusiast, I wanted to give her a break from TTRPG's and make the entire weekend all about her passion for the genre.

Carolina Fear Fest, held in the vibrant city of Raleigh, North Carolina, proved to be the perfect destination. This immersive annual event brings together fellow horror enthusiasts, filmmakers, and celebrities from the horror genre.

Needless to say, our experience at Carolina Fear Fest surpassed all expectations, especially when it came to meeting our favorite guests. We were pleasantly surprised by the amount of time we got to spend with each celebrity, as the event's smaller scale allowed for more intimate interactions compared to larger conventions. Not only did we have the opportunity to meet everyone on our must-see list, but we were also blown away by the incredible display of the Jeepers Creepers truck. And let's not forget the unforgettable moment of sitting behind the wheel of Christine, which was an absolute thrill. Here are just a few of the many highlights that made Carolina Fear Fest an unforgettable experience.

Dee Wallace - Best known for her iconic role as the loving mother in Steven Spielberg's "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," Dee Wallace has showcased her immense talent across various genres, including horror classics like "The Howling" and "Cujo." Her ability to bring depth and authenticity to her characters has earned her a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim. Beyond her impressive filmography, Dee Wallace is also an inspiring motivational speaker and author, sharing her wisdom and experiences to empower others.

One of the highlights of the weekend was having her call me “A Pussy” when I shared with her that I always thought E.T. was a bit of a horror movie when I was younger. My life is complete.

Tara Reid - An American actress known for her roles in both film and television. With her distinct charm and magnetic presence, she has made her mark in various genres, including comedy, drama, and horror.

Rising to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Tara Reid gained widespread recognition for her roles in films like "American Pie" and "The Big Lebowski." , but fans should also remember that she got her start in the Horror classic - “A Return to Salem’s Lot” and she continues in the genre with “Urban Legend” and the cult classic "Sharknado" franchise.

David Naughton - Best known for his memorable role as David Kessler in the horror-comedy classic "An American Werewolf in London,” David’s portrayal of the tormented and reluctant werewolf captivated audiences with a perfect blend of vulnerability and humor. Naughton's standout performance in the film solidified his place in horror cinema history.

Interestingly, one thing I learned while talking with David, is that was also the spokesperson for Dr Pepper in the popular "Be a Pepper" advertising campaign. While I knew the campaign and the jingle - I never put two and two together, so when I re-watched the commercials….sure enough, there he is.

Gary Lee Vincent and John Russo - John Russo could be known as one of the Godfather’s of the Zombie Genre. He is renowned for his collaboration with George A. Romero on the iconic film "Night of the Living Dead," where he served as a co-writer. In addition to his work in film, Russo is a prolific author, having written numerous novels and non-fiction books exploring the realm of horror.

Gary Lee Vincent is an Actor, director & producer best known for his work in the horror and thriller genres. He has also written several novels, including the popular "Darkened Hills" series, which showcases his talent for weaving chilling narratives filled with suspense and intrigue. Vincent is also the founder of Burning Bulb Publishing, an independent publishing company that supports emerging authors in the horror and speculative fiction genres.

Seth Gilliam - From his role as Ellis Carver in the critically acclaimed television series "The Wire," where his portrayal of a complex and morally conflicted police officer showcased his acting prowess, to him joining the cast of the hit series "The Walking Dead" as Father Gabriel, Seth has been captivating viewers for years.

Interestingly, I originally knew him for his portrayal as Sugar Wallace (the character is called Bearclaw in the book) in 1997 film, Starship Troopers. I took the opportunity to ask him what he felt about the differences between his character in the book and film. He said his entire role in the film was improvised on-set, a departure from the character as depicted in the original book. Surprisingly, his audition for the part consisted of just nine words. However, Gilliam's talent and dedication have propelled his career forward, leading him from "Oz" to "The Wire," and eventually to the zombie-infested world of "The Walking Dead."

Finally - we get to these two guys. We saw them throughout the Convention working a booth, and we ran into them later Saturday Night at the After-Hours Party.

We don’t know much about them, but the one on the right is named Marshall….and he shares the same birthday as Steph. As we wrap this post, here is the video of the crowd singing to them. It shows the friendship and passion everyone there had for the horror Genre, and in closing - I want to thank the folks at Carolina Fear Fest for making it a memorable weekend. We cannot wait for 2024.