10 Times Horror Movie Directors Gave INSANE Performances As Actors

David Cronenberg is no stranger to cameos, popping up in dozens of projects, including Alias and Jason X. (He even cast himself as a gynaecologist in The Fly.)

However, the body-horror legend's most prominent on-screen role is in the cult-classic, Nightbreed. In Clive Barker's dark fantasy, Cronenberg plays Philip Decker, a serial killing psychiatrist who frames his patient, Boone, for his crimes. When Boone flees from the authorities, he discovers a realm called Midian, populated by ostracised monsters. When Decker learns of this hidden world, he becomes obsessed with destroying it.

Even though Decker could've been a flamboyant villain, Cronenberg uses an eerie stillness, speaking in a soft-spoken and polite tone. His quiet restraint makes him scarier, especially when he dons his button-eyed mask and embraces his psychotic side.

Nightbreed bombed spectacularly at the box office, but it has since developed a cult following. Not only is the inventive gem commended for its creative monsters and surprisingly touching story, but it also proved Cronenberg has some serious acting chops. Even though Cronenberg has maintained a phenomenal career in directing, it'd be nice to see him playing a role like this again.