Interview conducted by Jason Stewart
In a recent on-line pole, Friday the 13th fans were asked to pick their favorite film in the series. The overwhelming winner was Friday the 13th part VI- Jason Lives. Its popularity was due in part to its script, effects, and fast pace; but its main asset was that of its title character, Jason Voorhees. Actor C.J. Graham put on the mask of Jason and forever changed the series. Mr. Graham was kind enough to answer a number of questions posed to him by XYZed Magazine.
Question 1. What was the most memorable aspect of stepping into the shoes of the �Jason Voorhees� character?
(C.J. Graham): The best thing about playing Jason is that you have stepped into history with the part and everyone may not know you but as soon as you say Jason...they do.
2. What was the most difficult part of playing �Jason�?
Swimming with the leeches in the lake what a drag! But I loved all the stunt challenges.
3. Some movie villains such as Gunnar Hansen as Leatherface kept in character even between takes and distanced themselves from the rest of the cast in order to create genuine fear. How was your relationship with the cast after the director yelled �cut�?
I was just the one of the gang. We partyed in Atlanta together and laid at the pool at our hotel together..one big party.
4. You were once quoted as saying you would don the goalie mask again in a minute if asked to. Why didn�t you appear in subsequent chapters of the series?
Part seven went to Kane (Hodder) through a connection with the director and he remained in close contact there after. I would still "review" options if the pay were right but they could not afford me now. (my current job pays well) But I can dream!
5. Are you personally a fan of the Friday the Thirteenth series? If so, what can you say about its current state?
I hope they get back to basics, Jason in space doesn't work for me personally
6. What was your experience in the movie �Highway To Hell� like?
Highway to Hell was a cool twist and if Hemdale had not BK'd the company it would of got a national release to the movies but the rest is history where it got lost. It had a chance of being the "horror" cop of the future.
7. You currently reside in Las Vegas. How did you come to be involved with the casino industry?
I started in the casinos in 1979 after getting out the Army for 4 years.
8. Do you still keep in touch with your motion picture past?
Yes, I know a few people still and I have the web site at JasonVI.com to keep me busy.
9. What is your all-time favorite movie?
(Friday the 13th) Part VI of course.....
10. What�s next for CJ Graham?
I working on being a great dad to my 8 year old son and the next promotion to Sr. V.P. of Casino Operations...
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Thanks for your support,
C.J. Graham
Editors Note: Though C.J. Graham only appeared in one Friday the 13th film, he reprised the role of Jason in the Alice Cooper video, He�s Back! The Man Behind the Mask. For more information, merchandise, rare photos and more on C.J. Graham, visit his official website at:
JasonVI.com