With over 160 films to his credit, Robert Englund traversed many genres. In the 70s, he worked with important filmmakers such as John Milius, J. Lee Thompson, and Bob Rafelson. His smaller roles supported leading men such as Burt Reynolds, Charles Bronson, and Jan-Michael Vincent (with whom he became a good friend).
When Englund took on the role of Freddy Krueger in Wes Craven's 1984 Horror film, A Nightmare on Elm Street, he became a genre icon. Everyone knows Robert Englund as Freddy Krueger, but there are other works that deserve notice. Here are 10 of Englund's most noteworthy, non-Freddy roles.
"Harry"- Dead And Buried (1981)
Every Horror film has the hero who knows something is wrong while being dismissed by his friends and/or peers. In the 1981 Horror film Dead and Buried, Robert Englund fills that role.
James Farentino is a sheriff of a small town who discovers people may be coming back from the dead. Of course, no one believes him but Englund's Harry believes him due to the strange goings-on. Englund is very natural in the role that would be his last Horror film good guy part for many years.
"Tripper"- Don't Cry, It's Only Thunder (1982)
In this critically well-received film, Dennis Christopher plays a soldier during the Vietnam War who helps to protect a group of orphans. Based on a true story, this small film wasn't allowed a wide release but found small popularity on HBO.
Robert Englund played "Tripper", a fellow soldier who helps to save the orphans. The actor did very well and showed heart and soulfulness, a role that he was rarely allowed on screen.
"Mr. Doust"- Red (2008)
2008's Red was a story of revenge that found Brian Cox receiving some of the best reviews of his long career playing a man whose dog is killed by teenagers during a robbery. Directed by Lucky McKee (who was replaced toward the end of shooting), the film went through many production problems and never received a full theatrical release.
Englund played "Mr. Doust", the father of one of the teens who, of course, claims his son's innocence. He only has a few scenes but the actor plays it stern and real, never giving in to cliche.
"Vulture"- The Spectacular Spider-Man (2008-2009)
The television series, The Spectacular Spider-Man was a fan favorite and was praised for its characters and storylines staying true to the comics.
Robert Englund played Adrien Toomes a.k.a. The Vulture. The actor had fun with the role and gave it life with his dark sense of humor and unique vocal stylings.
"Erik Destler"/ "The Phantom"- The Phantom Of The Opera (1989)
1989's The Phantom of the Opera was a low-budget tale of the classic story. While not a big box-office hit, it found a following on home video during the last days of the 1980's Horror craze.
The film wasn't well-liked by critics but Robert Englund came out on top with good notices. Many were expecting him to give the role his "Freddy Krueger" flare, but Englund proved them wrong by making The Phantom frightening but infusing the character with a sense of regret and humanity.
"Willie"- V (1984-1985)
V was one of the most popular television miniseries of the 1980s. While dated, it is fondly remembered by its fanbase. The series focused on lizard-like aliens who try to take over Earth.
Robert Englund played "Willie", an alien in human disguise who begins to sympathize with the humans. Englund played the role with a soft kindness that made "Willie" one of the series' most memorable characters.
"Doc Halloran"- Behind The Mask: The Rise Of Leslie Vernon
2006's Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon became a cult favorite of Horror fans. Fans praised it for bringing an original take to the oft-told Slasher film, with its story of a film crew making a documentary about a serial killer while following him on his reign of terror.
Robert Englund played "Doc Halloran" a psychiatrist that tries to get inside the mind of the killer while helping the documentary crew. His role could've been a mere "Dr. Loomis" rip-off but Englund saves it by giving his character a creepy ambiguity that keeps the audience guessing regarding his true motives.
"Dr. Andover"- Fear Clinic (2014)
In this crowdfunded film, based on the popular web-series of the same name, Fear Clinic was a low budget Horror tale where Robert Englund played a scientist who tries to cure people's phobias by using frighteningly extreme methods.
Englund's character was nothing new in the Horror genre but the actor underplayed it to great effect and never went over the top, a rarity in films about mad scientists.
"Buck"- Eaten Alive (1976)
Tobe Hooper directed his first studio-backed film with 1976's Eaten Alive, where a maniac feeds his victims to a giant alligator. While Hooper's experience wasn't pleasant, the film is respected in the Horror genre due to its dark humor and a good cast.
The fan-favorite is Robert Englund's "Buck". The character doesn't have a lot of screen time but leaves an impression. His sleazy demeanor and misguided belief in his own sexual prowess played to the film's macabre sense of humor. Quentin Tarantino used his infamous line, "I'm Buck and I'm here to f***k" in his 2003 film Kill Bill Vol. 1.
"Mayor Buckman"- 2001 Maniacs (2005)
2001 Maniacs was a remake of H.G. Lewis' Two Thousand Maniacs!. Both films revolved around a psychotic group of Southerners who murder passersby. The remake added a few twists that endeared it to modern Horror fans.
Robert Englund led the cast as "Mayor Buckman", the leader of this town of blood-thirsty rebels. With an eyepatch, a Confederate uniform, and a maniacal demeanor, Englund gave the genre a new favorite villain that wasn't a mere copy of his Freddy Krueger. His performance proved to be macabre fun and, along with actress Lin Shaye as his equally vicious wife, made the low budget film something special.