Robert Englund

Robert Barton Englund is an American actor best known for his iconic role as Freddy Krueger in the horror film series “A Nightmare on Elm Street”.

Life and Career.

Born on June 6, 1947, in Glendale, California, to John Kent Englund and Janis Englund.

Robert Englund began his career in the 1970s. He attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, becoming a professional actor. He has played various roles over the years, both on the big and small screens.

It was the character of Freddy Krueger, with his distinctive glove with blades and horrendously disfigured face, that made him famous worldwide. Englund starred in numerous films in the “A Nightmare on Elm Street” series, starting in 1984 up until the last one, “Freddy vs. Jason,” in 2003. His portrayal of Freddy Krueger, a character imbued with macabre humor and nightmarish terrors, has become one of the most recognizable and iconic in horror film history.

Beyond the “A Nightmare on Elm Street” series, Englund has worked on many other television and film projects, both in the horror genre and other genres.

He has also directed a few films and worked as a voice actor. His career has spanned several decades, always maintaining a strong presence in the entertainment world thanks to his versatility and talent.

For example, Robert Englund played the character of Willie in the 1983 science fiction miniseries “V” (also known as “Visitors”), created by Kenneth Johnson. The “V” miniseries was highly successful. It garnered a passionate following, leading to the production of a second miniseries, “V: The Final Battle,” in 1984, and a regular television series in 1984-1985. In “V,” the aliens, known as “Visitors,” arrive on Earth seemingly in peace. Over time, it is discovered that they have sinister intentions. Willie, the character played by Englund, is a Visitor who stands out from the others for his gentle and peaceful nature. Unlike his fellow aliens, Willie is sincerely interested in cooperating with humans and ends up joining the human resistance against the alien invaders. The role of Willie showcased a different side of Englund’s acting abilities compared to Freddy Krueger. Instead of a frightening and evil villain, Willie is a likable and friendly character, endearing himself to fans for his vulnerability and good heart. This contrast demonstrated Englund’s versatility as an actor, capable of portraying a diverse range of characters.

As a director, he directed the film “976-EVIL” and “Killer Pad,” released in 2008. This film tells the story of three friends who move into a mansion that ends up being a direct portal to Hell. He also directed two episodes of the TV series “Freddy’s Nightmares” (1989).

Trivia.

Off the set, Englund is known for his affability with fans and his willingness to participate in conventions and events related to the horror film world. His legacy as Freddy Krueger continues to be celebrated, making him a beloved and respected figure in the horror genre and the film industry in general.

Robert once attempted to get the role of Luke Skywalker in Star Wars. Despite auditioning for the part, he was not selected.

He has been married three times.

The first time to Elizabeth Gardner on September 15, 1968. The second time in 1986 to Roxanne Rogers, who later starred in Englund’s directorial debut film (976-EVIL). However, on the set of that very film, Robert met the set designer Nancy Booth, for whom he left Rogers. The two married in 1988.

The last known appearance of Freddy Krueger was in 2018, in a special Halloween episode of the TV series “The Goldbergs”.

In 1997, Englund appeared as Lucifer in the humorous TV sitcom “Married with Children.” In the episode, he helped the protagonist Al Bundy play for the Chicago Bears in exchange for his soul.

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