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The Hardest Working Woman in Horror
By Rick Danford
Sep 11, 2006, 23:05

Having appeared in over 200 films and achieving legendary status in the B-Movie genre we could only be talking about Brinke Stevens. I recently had a chance to ask the beautiful actress, model, writer and painter a few questions and get some info on her newest projects.

When you look up the term Scream Queen in the dictionary, there should be a picture of Brinke to accompany it. Of course provided the term Scream Queen was even in the dictionary.

“I view it as an honor to be called one of the original Scream Queens, along with Linnea Quigley and Michelle Bauer. Many actresses might appear in a horror film, but very few have made a lifelong career of it, as I have.”

I crossed paths with Brinke several years ago when I cast her in my first film The Web of Darkness where we brought her in to star along side Tom Savini. From that very first day and even now I consider myself a better person for knowing her and am fortunate to call her a dear friend. She is such a positive person who truly enjoys working in these low budget films. She was a delight on and off the set and was a true professional in every sense of the word. Having worked in the business for as long as she has and having worked on so many films, where does she see herself in the next five years?

“Probably, I'll still be acting in horror movies. That career has shown no signs of slowing down lately. I've also co-written a number of new scripts, which I hope to sell soon, as I continue to write more all the time. At some point, maybe in ten years, I'd like to "retire" to a quieter place than Los Angeles -- maybe Oregon -- and really focus on doing my oil paintings. My goal is to have a gallery show of my art someday.”

She’s played a wide variety of roles in all types of films. Is there anything she hasn’t done? Probably not, but is there one particular type of role she’d love to do more of?

“I've pretty much done every sort of role that I ever wanted to do. However, I do enjoy costumed period-pieces, so it might be fun to do something historical with a very elaborate wardrobe.”

But seeing her work her magic in front of the camera isn’t the only thing Brinke brings to the table. Her handy work can be seen behind the camera as well.

“I've co-produced a couple of popular horror documentaries, like "Something To Scream About" and "Shock Cinema". I've also sold a number of scripts that were produced, like "Teenage Exorcist" and "Wild Spirit". I've almost directed a few things, but it hasn't quite happened yet. Maybe someday.”

She’s living the dream so many young actresses are hoping to. Working as a full time actress and her services are always in demand. So what’s a normal day in the life of Brinke Stevens like? Let her tell you.

“I travel a lot -- at least two and sometimes up to five trips per month. When I'm so rarely at home, my average day is like this:
I get up at 8 am, cuddle my kitty Chase, drink coffee, and eat fresh fruit plus multi-vitamins. I'll spend about five hours in my home-office, replying to emails, filling fan club orders, booking plane flights and hotels, and all the myriad details that make up my life.
In the afternoon, I go out into the world to run errands: post office, bank, xerox, office supply, photo lab, grocery store, gas station, and so forth. If I have movie scenes to memorize, then I'll walk for a hour (3 miles) around a nearby lake, thus multi-tasking my dialog-study with outdoor exercise. I try to go to the local gym every day, where I do a complete work-out on the machines, and also relax with a brief Jacuzzi and sauna.
In the early evening, I return phone calls and cook a gourmet dinner for myself. Then I go back to work till 11 pm -- usually on my computer doing interviews or articles, and often packing a suitcase for my next trip. I like to read in bed for an hour before sleep... either a novel, or one of a dozen different magazines that I subscribe to.
Maybe that sounds a tad boring -- but believe me, I'm just so darn happy to be at home!”

But Brinke loves what she does and slowing up isn’t in her vocabulary right now.

“This year, I worked on "Bryan Loves You", "Bleed for Me", and "The Two Sisters". I've been shooting "October Moon 2" in Wisconsin. Next, I'll work on "Semper Die!" with Reggie Bannister and Joe Estevez in Illinois. Next month, I expect to do a movie in Detroit. There's also a number of jobs lined up for next year. And I'll continue to be a guest at various conventions, as time permits.”

I managed to get some information from the three filmmakers who recently worked with Brinke in those three films she’s completed this year. Let me give you some information on them.

BRYAN LOVES YOU

The film is based on the true story of a cult that took over an Arizona town in 1993. The film also stars George Wendt of Cheers fame, Tony Todd of Candy Man and Tiffany Shepis of the upcoming Nightmare Man.