Horror fans should instantly recognize the face at right: Jessica Harper starred in Dario Argento’s “Suspiria,” “Phantom of the Paradise,” “Shock Treatment” (the sequel to “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” replacing Susan Sarandon as Janet), and an episode of “Tales from the Darkside.” And that’s not to mention the rest of her work… Jessica toplined Woody Allen’s “Stardust Memories,” “Pennies from Heaven” with Steve Martin, and “My Favorite Year” with Peter O’Toole.
More recently, Jessica has been authoring children’s books - “Underpants On My Head” comes out in January, and adapting entries from her personal blog into “The Crabby Cook Book.” Speaking of, she’s asking CreepyLA readers to submit their own creepy recipes at her site…
On Halloween night, she’ll guest host Fox Legacy’s airing of “Phantom of the Paradise”, hosted by Fox Film chairman Tom Rothman, who also happens to be her husband. (Fox Film Channel, 8pm)
You’ve done your share of supernatural horror, but have you ever seen an actual ghost?
I have never seen a ghost, but if I ever do, I hope it’s Caspar.
Your favorite horror film? Any movie in particular scare the crap out of you?
The first movie that scared the crap out of me was “The Wizard of Oz,” which I saw at age five. When those damn monkeys flew, I knew what it was to be terrified. Later in life, it was “The Haunting.” I practically had to be hospitalized. After that, I decided to stick to Disney movies.
What was your reaction to hearing Juno refer to “Suspiria” as her favorite horror movie?
I fell off the couch.
Any thoughts on the “Suspiria” remake, or rumors that Natalie Portman could be reprising your role?
Geez, am I that old? They’re remaking me already?
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