Our 30 Best Local TV Horror Hosts

COMMENTARY: For decades, local market horror TV hosts have been a nocturnal staple, using their distinctive personalities to present a mix of popular, eerie, or simply terrible movies. Often, this occurred during the pre-cable era, which naturally created captive audiences. The iconic figure representing this genre was Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. Regrettably, many are unaware that her rapid ascent was made possible by these local horror TV hosts who cultivated their viewership.

A few of the hosts below became icons and gained national attention for their characters. However, most of these hosts were only seen locally and rarely given the opportunity to promote their programs outside local markets. That didn't diminish the effort, entertainment, or memories of their programs for the people soaking in the show's week-after-week. With that in mind, let's look at a few of the older shows being rediscovered through the benefits of the web.

*Each of the below photos are links to short Youtube clips of each show ....

Bob Wilkins, San Francisco, California 

Elaborate costumes aren't a staple for every host. Take Bob Wilkins, the celebrated Horror Host, who was famed for his genuine presentation—sans makeup or props, just his authentic self. His spot on KTVU channel was a nostalgic nod to a past era, complete with classic horror elements. Picture him: the archetypal everyman, relaxed in his rocking chair, donning a leisure suit, with a large cigar in hand, casually discussing the evening's movie as if it were a piece on the nightly news. His distinct Indiana accent added a special touch to the cherished Creature Features show. Between 1971 and 1984, Wilkins was a beloved presence in the San Francisco Bay Area, offering witty commentary on the science fiction and horror films aired on the channel. Creature Features distinguished itself by its commitment to quality cinema and its roster of esteemed guests.

"Don't stay up tonight," Mr. Wilkins sometimes told viewers. "It's not worth it."

Chilly Billy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Bill "Chilly Billy" Cardille became a beloved figure in Pittsburgh, especially known for hosting the Chiller Theater program, a cornerstone of the city's horror scene. The show's haunting theme, "Experiment in Terror," was the work of Henry Mancini, a Pittsburgh native and composer of international acclaim. Yet, Cardille's legacy extends beyond this eerie melody. As the host of "Chiller Theater," he rubbed shoulders with '60s celebrities, including the esteemed Vincent Price, who famously asked if he could call him "Chilly," a nickname that stuck. Cardille also left his mark in cinema, portraying the "TV Reporter" in the seminal 1968 film "Night of the Living Dead," a role that later made him a sought-after guest at horror conventions across the country. Amidst his busy TV career, Cardille also found time to present "Studio Wrestling," where he formed a lasting friendship with wrestling icon and WWF Hall-of-Famer Bruno Sammartino.

The show was so popular that it aired until 1983 without changing its time slot, so Chilly Billy bumped Saturday Night Live from Pittsburgh for its first five years. Cardille was so popular that September 28 is “Bill Cardille Day” in Pittsburgh. Belushi, Akroyd, Chase, Murray, Radner and, company? That speaks volumes about the show's popularity.

Count Floyd, Chicago, Illinois

Count Floyd, a fictional horror host portrayed by the equally fictional reporter Floyd Robertson, graced the comedy series SCTV with his presence. Both roles were brought to life by the comedic talent of Joe Flaherty.

As the master of ceremonies for the comically unspooky "Monster Chiller Horror Theater", Count Floyd would make his grand entrance from a coffin, clad in a budget vampire getup complete with a white turtleneck, and deliver lines in a thick, mock Transylvanian accent. In a humorous twist, despite being a vampire, he would kick off each episode with a werewolf's howl, followed by a burst of laughter as he greeted his viewers.

The films featured on his show were all made-up titles that played on various themes, such as “Dr. Tongue’s 3D House of Stewardesses,” “Dr. Tongue’s 3D House of Pancakes,” “Tip O’Neil’s 3D House of Representatives,” “Blood-Sucking Monkeys from West Mifflin, Pennsylvania,” and even a spoof on art-house cinema with Ingmar Bergman’s “Whispers of the Wolf.”

Count Gore de Vol, Washington DC

Washington D.C.'s long-standing fascination with the horror host Count Gore de Vol, a character reminiscent of a vampire from the era of silent films, captivated audiences for years. Portrayed by Dick Dyszel, the show aired on WDCA under the title Creature Feature, showcasing films like "Night of the Living Dead" interspersed with sketches and interviews, including those with Penthouse Pets. Dyszel frequently infused his humor and commentary with nods to local politics. Notably, "Creature Feature" achieved a milestone as the first program in the D.C. area to be broadcast in stereo.

Even though his show ended in the '80s, the Count continued to grace the internet with his distinctive performances and amusing takes on films. Dyszel's tenure on Channel 20 spanned from 1973 to 1987, and like a true vampire, Dick revived his persona in the digital world starting in 1998 and can be found at countgore.com. In 2018 Dyszel debuted his streaming channel on Roku. Roku users can still find it by searching for “Count Gore De Vol’s Creature Feature.”

Dr. Gangrene, Nashville, Tennessee

Who else could it be with blackened eyes, experimental goggles, unruly shirt collars, and a lab coat that could pass as being rainproof? Larry Underwood continues to bring Dr. Gangrene to life to the thrill of local fans who remember the golden eras of Sir Cecil Creape, Dr. Lucifur or, Humphrey the Hunchback. Regardless of the southern accent, our doctor's screen-side manner reminds audiences of Bob Wilkins and Bishop's Svengoolie. Underwood's natural balance of playful fun with a respectful approach to viewers has created a loyal following of classic horror movie fans.

The esteemed doctor made his debut with Nashville's Chiller Cinema back in 1999. It didn't take long for the show to spread to public-access television stations nationwide, establishing Underwood as one of the pioneering horror hosts to self-syndicate. The show transitioned to a local cable station, evolving from Chiller Cinema to Creature Feature, before eventually going on hiatus.

In 2008, Go Green with Dr. Gangrene, a series of Public Service Announcements began airing in the Nashville television market. The show gained immense popularity, leading to multiple awards at both local and national levels. Among these accolades was an Emmy Nomination for director Cameron McCasland, as well as official commendations from Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen and the Nashville City Council.

These days you can find Underwood up to his same tricks on Youtube - Dr. Gangrene's Cinetarium.

Dr.  Paul Bearer, Tampa-St. Pete, Florida

Dick Bennick, a luminary of Florida's airwaves, became an icon hosting "Creature Feature" and "Fright Night," but he was most beloved as Dr. Paul Bearer by his fans. Known for his humorous persona, Dr. Bearer was famous for his puns and corny jokes, delivered in a distinctive staccato. His appearance was marked by a pronounced bug-eyed look, the result of losing an eye in a car accident, further emphasized by a mismatched glass eye that wandered independently of its counterpart.

Bennick's legacy includes setting the record for the longest tenure as a TV horror-movie host, with a remarkable 22-year stint on WTOG's Creature Feature, a show that began in St. Petersburg and reached audiences across the state.

Dr.  Shock, Dayton, Ohio

Before becoming an on-air personality, Hobart, a native of Middletown, Ohio, was a master control operator for Channel 22. In January of 1972, in search of a way to raise Saturday night ratings, ‘Shock Theatre’ debuted. "Shock Theatre" showcased B-grade horror movies, interspersed with segments featuring the quirky Dr. Creep before cutting to commercials. These films were less successful than the "Ghostbusters" reboot, with their most terrifying aspects being the subpar acting and effects. Yet, it was Dr. Creep's comedic presence that made the show a cult favorite, keeping it on air until 1985—a solid twelve-year run.

Dr. Creep's legacy extends beyond the screen, as he brought joy rather than fear, particularly through his charitable work. He was a regular fixture on the local MDA Labor Day Telethon broadcasts. Moreover, he co-founded "Project Smiles," a charity that gathers Christmas toys for Dayton's underprivileged children. In support of this cause, he helped launch "Horrorama," an annual overnight horror film marathon that began in 1997. This year's event took place at the Danbary Dollar Cinemas in Huber Heights.

- Read more at Dayton Local

Dr. Shock, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 

Between 1969 and 1979, Joseph Zawislak delighted massive audiences in Philadelphia with his portrayal of Dr. Shock. Embodying the quintessential zombie with slicked-back hair, spats, and an oversized coat, he presented films on Philadelphia’s WPHL-TV under various show titles. The journey began with Scream-In, evolved into Mad Theater, and culminated with Horror Theater, each iteration crafted to captivate the children yearning for nocturnal thrills beyond what network television offered.

Dr. Shock's segments were peppered with humor and playful banter by his hunchbacked sidekick, Boris, who provided comic relief and poked fun at the films and even the sponsors. In a nod to one of the show's sponsors, Zawislak whimsically named his nine-month-old daughter "Bubbles" after Bubbles-Booth Soda, and she quickly became an endearing addition to the show. It was a true family affair in the spirit of spooky fun.

Elvira / Mistress of the Dark, Los Angeles, California

The most famous horror host, Elvira, has become recognizable even to those who have never watched a horror movie. Voluptuous, morbid, and funny, Elvira contemporized the template set by Vampira years before. Cassandra Peterson, in creating her character, infused a dark gothic allure into a Valley girl persona. As Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, she hosted the weekly horror movie segment Movie Macabre on Los Angeles' KHJ-TV in 1981. Donning a black, gothic gown that accentuated her figure, Elvira's vampish look was balanced by her quirky, sharp humor and Valley girl speech. She entertained audiences by presenting and playfully mocking low-budget horror movies during intermissions.

In 1989, Peterson faced a lawsuit from actress Maila Nurmi, who claimed Elvira's persona infringed on her own Vampira TV horror hostess character. However, the lawsuit was dismissed when Nurmi did not show up in court.

Elvira quickly became a pop culture icon, gracing magazines, action figures, pinball machines, comics, posters, and advertising campaigns. She even headlined her own movie, Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. Thriller Video selected Elvira to host introductions for its horror movie video releases, capitalizing on her unique charm. As recently as 2014, Peterson's Elvira starred in the Hulu series 13 Nights of Elvira, proving the enduring appeal of the character.

(Dr) Nick Witty, Syracuse, New York

From 1964 to 1980, "Monster Movie Matinee" was a staple of Saturday afternoons on WSYR, captivating audiences with its eerie organ music and howling winds. The show's opening sequence was a journey through a miniature cemetery and across a bridge to a haunted mansion shrouded in fog from dry ice. Inside the Monster Mansion, Dr. E. Nick Witty, portrayed by Alan Milair—who also served as the station's meteorologist—could be found seated in a formal chair, his hand animatedly gesturing off-camera in a dimly lit room.

Dr. Witty's face, disfigured to a degree that made it too frightening for clear viewing, was never fully revealed to the audience. Instead, his presence was marked by a resonant baritone voice and a memorably malevolent laugh.

The program's assistant, Epal, became the recognizable face of the show, a role taken on by Williard Everett Lape Jr. His visage was marked by a network of stitches resembling shoelaces across his face and forehead, along with an eye patch for added effect. Initially, Epal was depicted with a hook for a hand, which was eventually upgraded to a metallic hand crafted by Dr. Witty himself.

Ghoulardi, Cleveland, Ohio

If you were able to look at the names of every regional horror show in America, you’d find that most of them were called something like “Shock Theater.” The intention wasn't to encroach on anyone's rights, and truly, could there be a more fitting name than Shock Theater? WJW-TV in Cleveland, Ohio, was the home of Ghoulardi, the epitome of cool—a hipster sporting a beard, adorned with custom pins, and rocking lensless glasses. His reign on the show spanned from 1963 to 1966.

Ghoulardi’s show made prominent use of people around the station. Weatherman Bob Wells and even Tim Conway (yes, that Tim Conway) played bit parts on Cleveland’s Shock Theater. Ghoulardi was not only one of the earliest horror hosts to creatively utilize his environment, but he also pioneered the practice of playfully mocking the films he presented. This irreverent style, first popularized by Ghoulardi, would later be emulated by numerous horror hosts, much like Vampira's influence on the genre.

- Read more at GroovyHistory

Grimsley, Los Angeles, California

Over the years, the Los Angeles region has seen a variety of horror hosts, each with their own eerie flair. Robert Foster's Grimsley stood out among them. Grimsley shattered expectations, earning acclaim as one of the most humorously macabre figures in the horror hosting scene. From 1976 to 1978, Grimsley presided over "Fright Night" on KHJ-TV, coining whimsical LA-themed phrases like “Grimsleyland, where you can bury your friends and have fun!”

Grimsley was depicted as an undertaker with a penchant for classic, offbeat horror films and a love for playing his massive pipe organ. He even marketed his own line of embalming bags! Indeed, what more unique way to promote a horror show could there be?

Millicent B. Ghastly, Lexington, Kentucky

In the mid-80s, WLEX-TV featured a late-night horror host show titled "Monsterpiece Theater," which showcased an off-camera hostess in a fright wig known as Millicent B. Ghastly.

Barbara Ends, the actress behind Millicent, took on the role for enjoyment rather than payment. As "Monsterpiece Theater" was gaining local popularity, Barbara had to depart due to her family's move to the East Coast, leaving viewers to ponder the choice between Kentucky's hills and the seaside allure.

"Our studio crew warmed up to the notion that we weren't Talent Who Must Be Obeyed, and added all manner of audio and video hijinks, some of which we didn't see or hear until we watched the tape of the broadcast. Shoutouts to Keith Rightmyer, Doug(ie) Crowe, Richie, Howie, the Jeffs, and all the rest, who were all exceptional sports about going on as on-air talent when they weren't otherwise pointing cameras at us.

As far as the local commentary aspect of the show went -- we figured, why not? It amused us, and people wrote to us about it." - Steve Schwartz, co-writer

Moona Lisa, San Diego, California

Contrary to the typical horror host archetype, 1963 saw the debut of "Science Fiction Theater" on San Diego's KOGO, hosted by Moona Lisa. Behind the persona was Lisa Clark, a local newscaster who donned a mod astronaut persona, complete with a leather catsuit and a live python as her co-star amidst a set shrouded in "moon smoke." Clark's talents extended beyond this singular role, as she brought to life multiple characters throughout the show's run.

In 1965 she premiered “The Roaches” (a tip to a newly popular band called The Beatles), a band of guys wearing multi-arm costumes and sunglasses. In 1972, Clark took her show up the road to Los Angeles before shortly returning to San Diego in ’73 before quickly moving to St. Louis in the same year. Even though Moona Lisa went away in the mid-‘70s, we’ll always have “happy hallucinations.”

Morgus the Magnificent / Momus Alexander Morgus, New Orleans, Louisiana

Sid Noel brought to life the character of Morgus, a quirky host of science fiction and horror films who juggled presenting movies with performing experiments. "The Morgus Magnificent’s House of Shock" premiered in New Orleans in 1959 before moving to Detroit in 1964, and then it made its way back to New Orleans the following year, where it remained popular through the 1980s. Noel, committed to keeping his identity as Morgus a secret, never even let his children know about his alter ego. Morgus was aided by Chopsley, his loyal sidekick dressed like an executioner. The doctor's experiments, though intended for good, invariably ended in humorous mishaps that led into the movie segments. In addition to Chopsley, Dr. Morgus was assisted by Eric, a skull that later became part of the E.R.I.C. system (The Eon Research Infinity Computer) in the 1980s, which purportedly held the universe's entire knowledge.

SIDE NOTE: Dr. Morgus made history as the first horror host to be featured in his own film, "The Wacky World of Dr. Morgus," in 1962.

Mystery Science Theater 3000,  Comedy Central / SciFi Network

"Mystery Science Theater 3000" (MST3K) is a beloved television comedy series crafted by Joel Hodgson and brought to life by Best Brains, Inc. The show centers around a man and his robotic sidekicks who are trapped on a space station by an evil scientist and forced to watch a slew of low-grade horror and sci-fi B-movies. To keep their wits about them, they riff on each movie, highlighting its flaws and lobbing jokes, much like the peanut gallery in a cinema. The unique format includes the silhouettes of the man and his robots at the bottom of the screen as they watch the films.

During its original run of eleven years, MST3K produced 198 episodes and a movie, garnering critical praise and a dedicated fan following. The show was honored with a Peabody Award in 1993 and received nominations for writing Emmys in 1994 and 1995, in addition to a Cable ACE Award nomination.

Ned the Dead, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Ned the Dead, a rock star of Elvis-like stature, was the endearingly quirky and campy host of Green Bay's late-night TV sensation: "Chiller Theater". Launching in 1983, in a time devoid of cable, internet, and other midnight diversions within this DMA, this so-called Dead Guy on a less-than-stellar set took over the local airwaves every Saturday night after midnight.

Portrayed by Steve Brenzel, "Ned The Dead" was joined by the iconic Doctor J. Morbius Moreau, also known as Doc Moreau. With a staggering one thousand TV shows to his name, Ned's reel boasts an eclectic mix of 10,000 spontaneous, unscripted, and wildly entertaining segments, bits, and skits. For a dose of nostalgia or a bout of laughter, catch Ned and his crew on Youtube and Roku. Go ahead, give your table a good slap and dive into an episode or two.

- Read more at UWGB's The Comm.

 New Castle After Dark w/The Management, New Castle, Pennsylvania

New Castle After Dark is a modern media sensation with over 100,000 subscribers and close to 15 million total views, reflecting its substantial fan base. Envision a Pittsburgh-based show that specializes in classic horror and has captured the hearts of a large and dedicated audience.

The hosts, affectionately referred to as "the management," serve as the face of the show, providing in-depth and thoroughly researched insights into the films they discuss. Their educational commentary is far from boring, though. With opening credits that cleverly nod to their Pittsburgh roots and their impromptu quirky comments, they are as much a part of the entertainment as the horror flicks they present.

Sammy Terry, Indianapolis, Indiana

Sinister Seymour, Los Angeles, California

From 1969 to 1974, Larry Vincent captivated audiences as the ghoulish host Seymour, donning the guise of an undertaker. He brought this character to life on "Fright Night" and "Seymour's Monster Rally," broadcasted on KHJ-TV and KTLA, respectively. Seymour earned a special place in the hearts of the Los Angeles community, becoming synonymous with the city's love for budget horror flicks. His unique charm lay in his earnest approach to the role, infusing it with a gravitas that elevated it above mere comedic relief.

According to James Fetters, the author of "Creatures of the Night":

"Larry was much more than an actor showing up for a gig. Like Seymour, he gave us an escape from our everyday realities… to be a part of his world each week and I do believe in doing that for us fans, he had the chance, as Seymour, to escape Larry’s realities… a chance to live forever as Seymour."

Sir Cecil Creape, Nashville, Tennessee

Sir Cecil Creape, aka The Phantom of the Opry, was played by Russ McCown, and may be Nashville’s best known horror host. "Creature Feature," the original program aired on WSMV, the local NBC affiliate, from 1971 to 1973. A hallmark of Sir Cecil's shows included skits interspersed with the movies, witty commentary on the films, and shout-outs to local businesses. The "Creature Feature" set was designed as a medieval dungeon including a picture of the enduring corporate giant Floyd Kephart.

Sir Cecil's signature line was reminiscent of the famous Lurch from The Addams Family and his memorable "You rang?" With a similar drawn-out and stooped approach, Cecil would make his entrance and inquire, "Did someone call?" His costume was always the same: a blue cape coupled with a large purple jester's collar, which, however, did little to divert attention from his glaringly crooked teeth.

Every episode ended with Sir Cecil's customary parting words, "Good night, sleep tight, and don't let the bedbugs bite."

Sir Graves Ghastly, Detroit, Michigan

Sir Graves Ghastly, brought to life by Cleveland's own Lawson J. Deming, aspired to be the leading figure of his self-titled TV show. This show had its most successful stint at WJBK in Detroit, spanning from 1967 to 1982.

Depicted as a middle-aged vampire, Sir Graves Ghastly was characterized by a deep voice that echoed Boris Karloff's iconic tone. Each episode was bookended with Deming's dramatic entrance and exit from a coffin, reinforcing his vampiric identity. The program was known for featuring classic horror films and offering in-depth commentary on their production and actors.

Supporting Sir Graves were characters like his aide, Baruba, a ghostly being called The Glob, and Reel McCoy, a gravedigger who initiated each show by unearthing a film reel from a grave. The show's structure intertwined horror films with humorous interludes, presenting a diverse array of characters.

The series aired on WJBK from 1967 to 1982, Detroit was home to the show, which gained such popularity that it was broadcast in Cleveland and Washington D.C., where Sir Graves Ghastly perpetuated his reign of terror. The series was canceled in 1982 due to a change in studio management.

At the end of the show, he would wish viewers "Happy Haunting," followed by an evil laugh as he reclined in his coffin.

Sivad, Memphis, Tennessee

The legendary Memphis station WHBQ, eager to join the horror movie frenzy, sought a clear direction to make it a reality. They enlisted the help of the Malco Theaters' Director of Advertising, Watson Davis, who was brimming with ideas. Transforming into the character Sivad—his last name reversed—he adorned vampire fangs and a top hat. Sivad was a vampire who spoke with a charming Memphis accent, embodying the "bless your heart" southern hospitality. He became the "Monster of Ceremonies" for the Fantastic Features program, captivating the mid-south television audience.

"Memphians recall his striking intro on the show; a horse drawn carriage pulled a coffin through a fog shrouded Overton Park, and once it came to a stop it opened to reveal Sivad." - Memphis Flyer

Even after retiring, Sivad continued to be a Mid-South icon, attracting thousands at public events. For decades, Memphis horror shows and wrestling were perhaps the most influential programming in the region, captivating many with their fantasy elements.

Svengoolie, Chicago, Illinois

One can make the argument that Svengoolie is the most popular of the horror hosts remaining today - thanks to holding a nationwide audience, instead of being restricted to a single metro area. Svengoolie, originally portrayed by Jerry G. Bishop, made his debut on Screaming Yellow Theater, broadcasted on WFLD from September 18, 1970, until the summer of 1973. The character's name has come to represent a long-standing series of locally produced television shows in the Chicago, Illinois region.

The program showcased a variety of low-budget horror and science fiction films, with the horror host Svengoolie, donning face makeup, a wig, and a top hat, providing entertainment. During breaks from the films, he would engage the audience with sketches, deliver corny jokes, and perform song parodies that mocked the featured movie.

Rich Koz, who was once a fan of the show and contributed sketch ideas, currently embodies Svengoolie. The new iteration, Son of Svengoolie, premiered on WFLD on June 16, 1979, with Koz taking up the mantle of Son of Svengoolie.

The Count of Seattle, Seattle, Washington

The Count's "Nightmare Theater" kept the Seattle area in thrall throughout the '60s and '70s. Over its 14-year run, Nightmare Theatre captivated audiences from as far north as Alaska, as far east as Idaho, and south to Oregon, including Canada.

However, the spooky guise of The Count was just that—a guise. Joe Towey, the man behind the mask, was a Channel 7 employee for 30 years. He directed "J.P. Patches," a beloved children's show, for 22 years until its conclusion in 1981. Towey was also the creative mind behind the set design for "Nightmare Theater." Even after the show ended on KIRO-TV, Towey occasionally revived "The Count" for special events like Halloween and transformed into Santa Claus each Christmas for station events.

The Midnight Shadow Show, Austin, Texas

Joseph Fotinos, also known as Professor Anton Griffin, began hosting The Midnight Shadow Show in Texas in 1999. Declaring that Austin deserved its very own late-night horror show, Fotinos took on the challenge despite skeptics. As a result, Professor Anton Griffin took the helm of The Midnight Shadow Show, making it the premier late-night horror television program in Texas and a first-of-its-kind for Austin.

The original Austin-based show, Professor Griffin’s Midnight Shadow Show (2000-2006), featured full-length movies with the addition of his bizarre sideshow assistants, Dan-Dan and Usher. In his comeback to The Midnight Theatre, the half-hour special delved into an in-depth analysis of one of the most celebrated and notorious horror films, George Romero’s Night of the Living Dead. If you have the chance to see him, don't hesitate; he's always on the move.

Beyond his role as Professor Griffin, Fotinos is an accomplished writer, having penned a book and contributing regularly to Scary Monsters Magazine and Count Gore's website.

Vampira, Los Angeles, California

The Vampira Show aired on Saturday nights at midnight on KABC-TV, Channel 7, May 1, 1954, to April 2, 1955, and the show featured mostly low budget suspense films. Maila Nurmi, known as Vampira, is widely recognized as the original television horror host. Her enigmatic allure remains a significant aspect of her enduring popularity. Despite only broadcasting in California in the mid-1950s with almost no surviving footage, she is hailed as the inaugural horror host. Her creation has become akin to a Jungian archetype. Her iconic role in Ed Wood's "Plan 9 from Outer Space" has influenced a style that persists today, most notably adopted by Cassandra Peterson. Vampira transcends individuality, embodying a pop culture phenomenon.

Each episode began with Vampira's eerie procession down a misty corridor, culminating in a chilling scream as the camera closed in on her face. She would then present the night's movie, lounging on a skull-adorned Victorian couch, her comedic horror antics peppered with macabre puns and banter with her pet spider, Rollo.

In 1981, Nurmi was poised to revive Vampira on Los Angeles' KHJ-TV. However, during development, Cassandra Peterson was cast as Elvira, a character resembling Vampira, without Nurmi's consent. This led Nurmi to resign and unsuccessfully sue Peterson.

Indeed, Nurmi may also hold the record for the smallest waistline ever on television.

Zacherley, New York City, New York

Zacherley served as the host for WCAU's Shock Theater, which premiered on October 7, 1957, and continued for ninety-two episodes until 1958. John Zacherle, the actor, donned a long black undertaker's coat for his portrayal of "Roland," a character residing in a crypt with his wife "My Dear" and his lab assistant, Igor. His hosting included numerous horror-comedy gags that have since become television staples.

In the opening sequence, Zacherley would descend a long round staircase to the crypt. The producers erred on the side of goriness, showing fake severed heads with blood simulated with Hershey’s Chocolate syrup. The program occasionally included live "cut-ins" within the movie, where the soundtrack remained audible on air, and the visual feed momentarily transitioned to Zacherley engaging in a comical act, like riding atop a gravestone.

Zacherley was a huge deal in the New York and Philadelphia areas, and aside from hosting his horror shows he also recorded novelty songs like “Dinner with Drac,” a song that broke into the Billboard Top 10. He continued working in regional television and radio through the ’90s, but he’s most remembered for his time hosting Shock Theater.

Zomboo, Reno, Nevada

Zomboo's House of Horror Movies began as Frank's House of Horror Movies in Reno, Nevada, in 1999. Initially, Zomboo was a sporadic presence, but within a year, he became the show's mainstay, prompting a name change. The show is approaching its tenth year on air. Zomboo's character is an amalgamation of Lon Chaney's vampire from the 1927 movie London After Midnight, Louis Nye's portrayal of Zombo on The Munsters (first aired on February 17, 1966), and Krusty the Clown from The Simpsons.

The program channels the essence of the vintage Soupy Sales show, replete with multifaceted visual gags and jokes. Zomboo frequently interacts with the films, augmented by both audio and visual gags. He is accompanied by a cast of characters including Miss Transylvania, Werewolfie, Officer Not-so-Friendly, Bianca the Rack Girl, Quasi, Mini Z, and Nurse Feelgood, the Head Nurse. The show continues to garner high ratings on Saturday nights in the Reno market, so if you're ever in town rolling the dice, it's worth checking out.