Horror on Set: Actors and Crew Members Killed Filming Fearful Scenes

The film industry is known for its creativity and thrill-seeking atmosphere, often pushing the boundaries of what is safe to capture on screen. However, when it comes to horror movies, these boundary-pushing can have deadly consequences. This article explores several instances where tragedy struck while filming scenes that were meant to scare audiences.

The Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983)

Perhaps one of the most tragic incidents occurred when shooting The Twilight Zone: The Movie. Seven-year-old Myca Dinh Le, six-year-old Renee Shin-Yi Chen, and actor Vic Morrow, the father of actress Jennifer Jason Leigh, lost their lives in a horrific accident during a Vietnam War helicopter scene. On July 23, 1982, while The Twilight Zone set was preparing for a helicopter chase involving Vic Morrow and two child actors, a pyrotechnic charge detonated right under the helicopter's tail rotor. This caused the helicopter to crash, resulting in the decapitation of Vic Morrow and the two children, with Renee Shin-Yi Chen being crushed to death.

The accident is a stark reminder of the risks involved in high-stakes action sequences. Vic Morrow, directed by John Landis, was known for his wild and unorthodox approach, often disregarding safety protocols. The incident led to a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures, with the company facing a $50 million lawsuit from the families of the deceased.

Vampire in Brooklyn (1995)

In 1995, during the filming of Vampire in Brooklyn, cast member Angela Bassett’s stunt double, Sonja Davis, fell to her death. This incident highlighted the dangers associated with even the most seasoned actors using stunt doubles. The accident not only resulted in tragedy but also costly legal action, with Paramount Pictures facing significant financial repercussions.

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2017)

More recently, the horror genre was rocked again when a scene in Resident Evil: The Final Chapter resulted in the death of Ricardo Cornelius, a crewman. Days after a stuntwoman suffered severe injuries, Ricardo Cornelius was tragically crushed to death by a Hummer H1 that slid off a platform he was standing on. Such accidents serve as a sobering reminder of the potential risks in action and suspenseful films.

Personal Losses and Accidents

Beyond the fatalities, the films industry has seen its fair share of personal losses and near-misses. For instance, Jack MacGowran and Vasiliki Maliaros, both of whom played characters that died in The Exorcist, tragically passed away shortly after completing their roles. Even the stars themselves have faced their own tragedies, such as when Linda Blair's grandfather died during the shoot, and when Max von Sydow's own brother died on the first day the actor was present on set.

These incidents underscore the often untold human cost behind the scenes of horror movies. While the thrill of horror can captivate audiences, it comes with a serious commitment to safety that is paramount in protecting the lives of all involved.

It cannot be overstated that the film industry, particularly horror movies, often involves high-level stunts and complex scenes that can become extremely dangerous. As incidents like those listed continue to occur, there is an increasing call for heightened safety measures and more stringent regulations to ensure the well-being of every person on the set from the actors to the crew.