Ken Sagoes is known most for his roles in “A Nightmare on Elm Street: Part 3 & 4”. Besides acting, Ken is also an author, his latest is called “Seven Maids From Stockbridge”. Movie Mikes had a chance to chat with Ken about working on the “Nightmare” series and his current book tour.
Mike Gencarelli: How did you originally get the gig on “A Nightmare on Elm Street” series as Roland Kincaid?
Ken Sagoes: There were a mass audition. They were really looking for a bodybuilder type guy, but the day I went in I was in such a bad mood, (Mainly because that day I had to catch a bus and it was raining very heavy, plus, I thought it was a waste of my time because I was far from the physical look they were asking for) but it turned out that was the mood they were looking for.
MG: Tell me about working with the cast of the films?
KS: It was great, from the first day of walking on the set, we became a family. All of the “Dream Warriors” were like brothers and sisters, and Heather Langenkamp and Robert Englund became our big sister and big brother. And thanks to Facebook, we keep in touch more often now. Even when Rodney Eastman (Joey) and I stepped on the set of “Nightmare 4”, we knew it was just a going to be a short time, but the new cast were very good to us, suddenly, we became the big brothers. Tuesday Knight was wonderful too, and was a great new Kristen and big sister.
MG: How was it seeing Robert Englund for the first time as Freddy Kruger?
KS: When I first met Robert Englund, he was going to his dressing room. He stopped and welcome me, made me feel very welcome. Robert Englund is one of the most giving and gentleman you would ever meet. Then, the next time I saw him was on the set in make-up, and was somewhat eerie; hard to believe a man that kind was under that make-up. But Robert is/was a true pro, he was no longer Robert Englund – it was Freddy Kruger. So I think because I had met him first, then met him as Freddy made it more eerier to me.
MG: Any behind the scenes stories from working on the films?
KS: I have none. I was one of those actors that stayed in his dressing room when I wasn’t shooting. Mainly because I was working on another project at the
time. But I do remember when we were filming the boiler room scene, we were really in a very, very hot place, and everyone was trying to complete the scene to get out. The place in itself was eerie, even without Freddy.
MG: Tell us about your process you are working on a book?
KS: It really is a long process. Most people don’t know it, but I was a staff writer for Paramount television before I was an actor. I even won a CableACE award for writing a Disney movie called, “On Promised Land”. First, I get the story together and then the characters. Because I was a stand-up comic, I am able to bring in comic even when there is drama. I like story that I can put a little history in and view by all
ages and race.
MG: Can you explain what a scriptnovel is and why do you use that format?
KS: A scriptnovel (one word) is half novel and half screenplay – all in one. I like that format, because first, it becomes a very easy and fast read for the reader. It also, put you, the reader in the story. You often can get a sense of feeling what the characters are all about, which can make the story more interesting. My first scriptnovel, “Latch of the Shadow”, which was a horror, received great reviews, and I will have a few of them when I’m in Orlando, Fla, Friday and Saturday for the book signing of my latest scriptnovel, “Seven Maids From Stockbridge”.
MG: Tell us about your latest book, “Seven Maids From Stockbridge”?
KS: “Seven Maids From Stockbridge”, is a powerful story, and I mean really powerful story that takes place during the Civil Rights Movement of the 60’s. It’s about families and lives of seven women – six black and one white. It may appear that the title is about females, but it is not totally true. It is about everyone’s life, and yes, it has comedy, drama, adventure, and I would say a touch of horror. What the women and men had to experience during that time is unbelievable. This story came about from a couple of trips I had with my mother as a maid when I was around five years old. I never forgot the journey. I honestly believe that whatever type of stories you like, you will find some of it in this story. I believe that no matter who you are, you will find it to be a part of you, and because it is written in the scriptnovel format, you would like it even more.
MG: Tell us about your book tour this month?
KS: I will be in Orlando, Fla at the Orlando Public Library Central (downtown) Saturday, Feb. 26. I will be a the main downtown library from 11:30 to 2:30. I will talk about the movies I’ve been in like: “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” “Rosewood,” which was filmed in Orlando by John Singleton, and what it’s like in Hollywood. I also will have a Q&A section, plus will personally sign each book and take a picture. The
library’s number is: 407-835-7323. Saturday, Feb. 26, please call the library. The address is 101 E. Central Blvd, Orlando, FL 32801.
MG: Do you have anymore scriptnovels planned in the future?
KS: Yes, I am working on my third as we speak, it’s called, “The Genesis Experiment.”