10 Times Horror Movie Directors Gave INSANE Performances As Actors

2. John Carpenter - Body Bags

Body Bags John Carpenter
Showtime

Written and directed by John Carpenter and Tobe Hooper, Body Bags was intended to be a horror anthology series in the same spirit as Tales from the Crypt. When it was cancelled, the first three episodes were reworked into a TV movie. Each tale is introduced by Carpenter's kooky coroner, who keeps viewers entertained with macabre wordplay and gallows humour.

Body Bags explores multiple sub-genres and offers several horror-themed cameos, which should keep purists thoroughly enthralled.

However, the most entertaining part is Carpenter himself. Rather than just doing a basic cameo, the Halloween director has a ball with the role, chewing the scenery every moment he's on-screen. He displays such a natural talent at visual gags, subtle comedy, and deadpan delivery, it's hard to believe he has zero training as an actor. Even though each chapter has some hardcore talent, including Stacy Keach and Mark Hamill, they don't hold a candle to Carpenter's formaldehyde-guzzling mortician.

Although fans should be happy to see Carpenter make an appearance, nobody was expecting him to steal the show. (Seriously, why didn't he have an acting career after this?)

 
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James Egan has been with Whatculture for five years and prominently works on Horror, Film, and Video Games. He's written over 80 books including 1000 Facts about Horror Movies Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about The Greatest Films Ever Made Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about Video Games Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts About James Bond 1000 Facts About TV Shows