An Exclusive Interview with Actor, William Butler "Michael"
Interview Conducted by Jason Stewart
William Butler has had the privlidge of acting in a multitude of horror franchises. Often cast as the tragic hero, William has had many roles, battling such foes as Jason Voorhees and Leatherface. Mr. Butler not only acts, he also directs films and writes screenplays. His most recent work are the screenplays to two Return of the Living Dead sequels. William was kind enough to answer a number of questions for Eighteen.
1. How did you first get into acting?
William Butler: I was a child actor in local theater. My mother and father bought me a super-eight movie camera and I started making horror films at a very early age. Most of the films involved blowing my toys up and covering brother and sister in Karo-blood. I should signs of sickness at a very young age�making me a prime candidate for show business.
2. You appeared in the great horror franchise; Friday The 13th pt. VII.
How does it feel being one of Jason�s �victims�?
W.B.:Privileged. I love it. I still have my Jason Voorhees lettermans jacket that I got from the shoot and I still proudly wear it like a dork. To me there is something so cool about having been in that film.
3. How was Kane �Jason� Hodder to work with? Did he stay in character
between takes?
W.B.: Yes Kane is always in character when he is in the Jason make-up so there is no chance that you won�t do a good job acting. When you see those kids running from him they are running from him for a reason. Trust me when I say you don�t want him to catch you�its very scary!
4. Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3 must have been quite the physically demanding
job for you. How was it working on that film?
It was fun, my old roommate Viggo also got a part in the film, so that was a hoot. It was nice driving to work together every morning and then driving home covered in dirt and blood. I still believe that we were responsible for many a car accident on the 5 freeway with the way we looked. Having the privilege to work with Jeff Burr was wonderful, he has since gone onto create some really great films, one of them being �Straight into Darkness� which I highly recommend.
5. Was anyone injured on the set?
W.B.: Well I had a horrible case of kidney stones during that show and trust me that is more pain than any chainsaw can inflict. Other than that, not that I remember. It was very hard on your mentally hearing that chainsaw all night. I remember trembling from it getting too close during the tire changing scene. Kane Hodder did most of the Leatherface work and he will kick your ass if he gets a hold of you so I always knew to move fast.
6. Were you a fan of the original TCM prior to taking on your role in the
film?
W.B.: Yes! I was so thrilled when I found out that I got a part in my favorite horror franchise that I yelled so loud the neighbors came over because they thought I had been robbed or shot! I am a massive Tobe Hooper fan and since then have met him. He is a true genius.
7. Any thoughts on the recent TCM remake?
W.B.: I thought it was very scary, I wasn�t anticipating it being as good as it was. Like most hardcore fans, I was not happy to hear that it was going to be remade, but I was happily surprised. I guess that should be a lesson to all of us horror-heads.
8. How was your experience working in the Night of the Living Dead Remake?
W.B.:It was great, I loved Pittsburgh, the people were wonderful and myself and the cast felt really welcome. I was genuinely thrilled to work with the great George Romero and Savini.
9. Did you study the actor who played your role in the 1968 original?
No. My style was completely different than his and Tom wanted me to portray the character more vulnerable.
10. How was Tom Savini to work with?
W.B.: Tom is awesome. He is a very funny guy who is a live wire that constantly pulled torturous practical jokes. It was an everyday occurrence to see make-up crew guys with band-aids and mercurochrome all over them from some of hilarious sadism.
11. Of all the movie villains you�ve encountered, who�s the most menacing?
W.B.: Film Executives. Just kidding, I�d have to say Jason Voorhees.
12.You�ve appeared in a multitude of horror films. What is it about the
genre that appeals to you?
W.B: I have been a fan since I was ten and love the genre very much. I have been reading Fango since I was a kid and read Famous Monsters of Filmland before that. I am living the ultimate fans dream!
13. What�s next for William Butler?
W.B.: My writing partner and I � Aaron Strongoni and I wrote the two new Return of the Living Dead films that are coming out and I have one film in pre-production DeaD GrrL about a killer pageant kid and I am currently in negotiations on The Paul Lynde Story, a film about a comic from the seventies who died of alcoholism.
Actor - filmography
Blue Hill Avenue (2001)
Lost in the Pershing Point Hotel (2000) .... Irwin
Mothman (2000) .... Dave
Squeeze (1997)
Leather Jacket Love Story (1997) .... Julian
Sleepers (1996) .... Juanito
Watchers III (1994) (uncredited) .... Tom
Spellcaster (1992) .... Billy
Inner Sanctum (1991) .... Jeff Seigel
Arena (1991) .... Skull
Night of the Living Dead (1990) .... Tom
Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III (1990) .... Ryan
Night of the Cyclone (1990) .... Cop No. 2
... aka Perfume of the Cyclone
Lady Avenger (1989) (uncredited) .... Mike
Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988) .... Michael
Ghoulies II (1987) .... Merle
Terror Night (1987) (as William C. Butler) .... Chip
... aka Bloody Movie (USA: DVD title)
Writer - filmography
Return of the Living Dead 5: Rave to the Grave (2006) (filming)
Return of the Living Dead 4: Necropolis (2005) (completed)
The Gingerdead Man (2005)
Costume Party Capers: The Incredibles (2004) (TV)
Madhouse (2004)
Black Velvet Pantsuit (1995)
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