Photograph Courtesy of Trish Dempsey
Of all of the independent films that I’ve seen in my life, and we’re talking about hundreds of films, I’ve never encountered an actor or actress like Trish Dempsey. Everyone that works around her has nothing but respect and admiration for her and abilities as an actress. When I asked Herschell Gordon Lewis about her, he had this to say:
“As an actress, Trish Dempsey is the consummate professional. Here's what I mean by that: I'm convinced that Trish becomes her role. The director or screenwriter can change the lines in mid-shoot and she absorbs and handles in mid-stride. Add that to a smile that can light up the moon and an attitude that becomes contagious on the set, and you understand why it will be when (not if) we make "Mr. Bruce and the Gore Machine" I'll reserve a role for her.”
You can see Trish in Herschell Gordon Lewis’ comeback film, The Uh-Oh Show. And to really understand how she absorbs and becomes her roles, I also recommend Dark Woods (2006) and Realms of Blood (2004).
How did you get started with gore/horror films?
I've always loved the old classic horror films such as Dracula and the Werewolf, etc. However, it wasn't until I worked on the film "Dark Woods" that I started to appreciate and respect the amount of work that goes into a "gore" film. We spent hours tubing me so I could bleed on cue and also so the person I was stabbing would bleed from the big knife I had in my hand. The more blood, the more fun we had. Actually, there is a funny story that happened on that set. It was a night shoot and around 3:00 a.m. I had to stab the villain and we both had to fall together to the ground. On the 9th take, my acting partner, who was a rather large guy, shifted on the fall and landed on my hand. We didn't realize until after take 13 that my hand had been broken. After finishing my scenes for the night I went directly to the ER. Mind you I was still in costume and had a lot of fake blood, bruises and torn clothes when I arrived. The ER staff freaked and thought I had been mugged. After I explained the circumstances, they were very excited and asked me to autograph a poster for the movie so they could hang it in the ER. Last time I checked, it was still there!
Is it true that you like to play the villainess?
Absolutely! The villains are always more interesting and memorable characters. I discovered that I had a natural "edge" when I was studying acting in CA. When you are a basically easy-going people pleaser like me, it's way more fun to play something or someone evil, doing things that you would never dream of. Besides, when you think of it, in the history of film there has never been a serious actress who was best known for her horror films. Sure there have been actresses who have played evil roles very well. However, there isn't one who, when you hear her name, you automatically think "Horror". For example, when you hear Vincent Price or Bela Lugosi's name, you automatically think "horror". That's what I want to achieve. Trish Dempsey.....horror, evil, sharp edge!
How has been working with one of the greatest independent filmmakers of all time, Herschell Gordon Lewis?
Oh my goodness, working with Herschell was even better than I imagined. I have always been a fan of his films and really appreciate his genius ability to think outside the box. Working with the man himself was a dream fulfilled. Herschell is known by his friends, family and crew as Kind, Considerate, and a Gentleman first and foremost. He is always ready to reach out and offer a friendly helping hand. However, when he is on set, he is all business and knows how to get things done..... appropriately, on time, and within budget! Any actor who has the opportunity to work with him must be prepared to be in character, know all their lines, be on time, and be flexible. But most of all, the actor must be prepared to expect the unexpected and be able to pull off a scene in one take! I can speak for all the cast in the "Uh-Oh Show" that working with Mr. Herschell Gordon Lewis was an honor and a privilege. But best of all, we became a team, a family and had the most fun ever!
What can you tell us about “The Uh-Oh Show”?
"The Uh-Oh Show" combines "outrageous gore with outrageous humor" to quote Herschell. It is based on a reality game show in which the contestants can win big prizes and lots of cash if they come up with the right answers but must pay gruesome consequences if they are wrong. The producer of the reality/game show is a greedy, non-caring, soulless person who only wants more and more money. When Uh-Oh becomes successful he isn't content and wants a more "cutting-edge" show. That's when the director comes up with the "Grim Fairy Tales" idea for a show. What I particularly like about the film plot is that it is really a spoof on today's audience of reality shows. They always seem to want more shock value. This is a film that is nothing like you've ever seen before. It's pure entertainment and I foresee it becoming yet another classic for the gore hounds!
What was your favorite film to work on?
Need you ask? Of course it was "The Uh-Oh Show". Plus I'm looking forward to my role in Herschell's next film.
What is your favorite horror movie?
I've always been a huge fan of Dracula! Every form of vampire really turns me on! One of my favorite characters that I've played is "The Dweller", a thousand year old vampire queen in the film "Blood Runs Cold". It was the third segment of "Realms of Blood" a Fear Film Production. There have been rumors of making it a feature sometime in the future. I sure would love to play "The Dweller" again!
What’s next for you?
I have been officially attached to 4 feature films within the next year, all of them in pre-production. So I'm not quite sure which one will be first. I'm not at liberty to disclose any titles due to confidentiality. But I'm hoping that the next one is Herschell Gordon Lewis' next film!
Remember to catch Trish in The Uh-Oh Show and watch for her in future films. She truly embodies her characters and will have you buying into whatever she had to offer. This was an honor and a privilege, which I say all the time, but Trish truly is a diamond in the rough and it was pleasure meeting her.
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