Mr. Clu Gulager, You’re Like Family to Me.

I really do love Clu Gulager!



“It’s not a bad question, Burt.”

I add many heaping dashes of nostalgia to my posts, so if the taste isn’t to your liking, I’m sorry. Blogging is self-indulgent and it’s one of very few ways I have of sharing my own personal history, however unimportant or uninteresting it may be. I have a pretty good memory and most of my horror watching recollection is associated with great moments in an otherwise bumpy life. It’s not farfetched to say that horror movies were often my friend, and many times even like family. It’s twisted, but nothing really comforts me like a good horror film.

Some actors appear in so many genre films that I sometimes develop a strong affinity for them. Even though they are “acting”, most of the time their true personality still shines through. There is one man in particular who I feel has been with me my whole life and his magnetic presence has been very comforting and inspiring to me. He’s been in several great movies that I’ve watched over and over and still watch to this day. He provides a certain class and gravity to any work, large or small. I feel a rather large kinship with him and every time I see him on the screen, my heart swells with love. I’m talking about Mr. Clu Gulager.

Most of you will remember Mr. Gulager as slightly irresponsible medical supply warehouse supervisor Burt in The Return of the Living Dead. You may also recall him from his work as the Bartender in the newer Feast series, directed by his son John Gulager. He has appeared in some cool flicks that only really got love from late night cable and video rentals like Hunter’s Blood, The Willies, and The Offspring (aka From a Whisper to a Scream). There are many other movies in which he plays much smaller roles like The Hidden and A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 2: Freddy's Revenge, and they are all the better for his presence. If anyone emits the ultimate cool demeanor, it is Clu Gulager.

I’ve learned a lot from Mr. Gulager’s various characters. From Mason Rand I learned never to drop your stance or gaze in the face of cruel nature or a pack of bloodthirsty redneck poachers. From Burt Wilson I learned it’s ok to let a few things go as long as you’re willing to buck up later when you have to face your mistakes.

Most of all, I just wanted to thank you, Mr. Gulager. Thank you for some great memories, some solid performances, and always keeping my attention. If you ever need a place to crash, don’t hesitate to let me know.

Here are some great Clu moments in video form:

“In that movie they destroyed the brain to kill it? Was that what they did?” (The Return of the Living Dead)



A deadly throwdown with the vicious Snake. (Hunter’s Blood)



The Bartender does a little DIY surgery. (Feast 3: The Happy Finish)

“My god… what the hell happened in here?” (The Willies)



Stanley won’t take no for an answer. (The Offspring aka From a Whisper to a Scream)