Randal Malone is known best for playing the role of Gacey in “Dahmer vs. Gacey” and his role in “Frankenstein Rising”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Randal about his films and also what he has planned next.
Mike Gencarelli: What do you enjoy most about working in the horror genre?
Randal Malone: I was very blessed to find my niche as an actor in horror films. Growing up I loved all the Hammer horror films as well as the Universal films. I knew I was going to be an actor but I never thought about doing so many horror films. I always loved watching the actors in those horror films. I never thought it would be an entire career for me. After I did the “Singled Out” a lot of these horror directors and studios approached me. Things were one right after the other over the years and it just became my thing. I was very lucky as an actor to have found my niche.
MG: Can you tell us about working on “Dahmer vs. Gacey”?
RM: I loved the idea from the beginning. I was very excited and lucky to be involved with the film. It was really fun to play the Gacey character. There were a lot of great costumes and makeup. It was just a lot of fun working on that film.
MG: How was it working with Ford Austin?
RM: I had worked with him on some other films. He had been my director on a film titled “The Curse of Lizzy Borden”. I had played opposite of him in a film titled “Evil Ever After”. We also worked together on “Blood Bath” and “Blood Legend”. We did this fantastic movie after “Dahmer vs. Gacey” called “Rat Scratch Fever”. Ford is really wonderful and a great director. He is a marvelous actor and a joy to work with. Ford is very gifted.
MG: What are the chances of the “Dahmer vs. Gacey: In Space” being made?
RM: I think it’s very likely. Ford was hurt recently in a car accident but he is doing much better. It’s going to take some time but, I think there will be a sequel and quite possibly a 3rd film. Ford is very motivated.
MG: How did you prepare for your role in “Frankenstein Rising”?
RM: I had always loved the Frankenstein genre as well as the story. I had always wanted to play the Frankenstein monster. There is a lot to portray and I thought it would be a wonderful thing. I knew and was good friends with Mae Clarke who was in the original 1931 film. She was an inspiration to my career. We had talked a lot about her making the movie as well as my wanting to play the monster. When the opportunity finally came to me I was very busy. I was working on two films as well as a television project. Something very rare in Hollywood then happened. They agreed to wait till I had time. I will never forget their kindness. It was an amazing experience! I got to work with Jerry Maren who played the munchkin that handed Judy Garland the lollipop in “The Wizard of Oz”. I also got to work with the great Margaret O’Brien and Anita Page. This film was actually Anita’s last film.
MG: When do you think the film will be released?
RM: It is done. We hope that it will be out soon. I think they are just waiting for the best offer.
MG: What other projects do you have in the works?
RM: There are a lot of things in the works. What I would really like to do is more Frankenstein work. It was a lot of fun but we will have to wait and see. There will probably be more horror films. Even if the script isn’t that great but the role/character is great then that is something that is always exciting for an actor.
