David Naughton started his career out in Dr. Pepper commercials before landing the staring role in the 80’s classic “An American Werewolf in London”. Movie Mikes’ Adam Lawton got a chance to talk with David at this years Chiller Theatre convention and got a chance to ask him about his career.
Adam Lawton: Is there any truth to the rumor that Jon Landis picked you for American Werewolf in London after seeing you in a Dr.Pepper commercial?
David Naughton: Well he was familiar with my work from that and he was an avid Diet Dr.Pepper drinker so it didn’t hurt that he knew me from those spots but I had an interview with him and this was basically the only time I had ever gotten a film based on me talking to someone just one on one
AL: I’m sure there were some painful parts about having to put the wolf makeup on?
DN: Its very claustrophobic your inside the molds while they are making the masks and its not an easy task at all. Especially at time when American Werewolf was done things like this just weren’t done and it was new. There were no actors I could call and ask Hey whats it like working with Rick Baker. Nobody knew and I certainly didn’t know what I was in for. But when I first met Rick Baker he says to me Hey I feel sorry for you which is the last thing you wanna here
AL: You were recently in the Steve Mena film “Brutal Massacre”, can you tell us what it was like working with such a great cast which included horror icons Gunnar Hanson and Ken Foree?
DN: Well my first question was “Why are we shooting in Bethlehem Pa in February?” It was one of the coldest winters in history. But it was a lot of fun especially when you get to work with a director who has written the script and is flexible when it comes to dialogue. Gunnar gave a performance that no one expected and who knew he was going to be as funny as he was then add in Gary Bedknob who is hysterical.
AL: Do you have any upcoming projects? Maybe “Sasquatch At The Mall”?
DN: I have a few things going on none of which have complete financing yet but I do have some things coming down very soon.
