CMU Alumni in Horror

George Romero during a publicity still for "Day of the Dead." (United Film Distribution Co.)

George Romero during a publicity still for "Day of the Dead" (United Film Distribution Co.)

Largely considered the Godfather of Horror, George A. Romero (BFA, 1961) was an influential pioneer in the genre, particularly the zombie apocalyptic theme. Some of his best known works include "Night of the Living Dead" (1968), "The Crazies" (1973), "Martin" (1978), "Dawn of the Dead" (1978), "Knightriders" (1981), "Creepshow" (1982), and "Day of the Dead" (1985). Romero also created and executive-produced the television series "Tales from the Darkside" (1983-88). Romero isn't the only CMU alumni to be involved in horror films and television. We put together a short list of our favorites to enjoy this spooky season.

Some of the films are available for checkout, click the linked titles for more info. While you're at it, stop by the Hunt Library, first floor Circulation desk and the Video Collection room located on the 2nd floor to check out these and other horror movies.


Ted Danson (BFA, 1972)

Ted Danson in "Creepshow"

"Creepshow" (1982) Role: Harry Wentworth


Blair Underwood (BFA, 1988)

Blair Underwood in "Longlegs" (2024)

"Longlegs" (2024) Role: Agent Carter


Judith Light (BFA, 1970)

American Horror Stories: Facelift

"American Horror Story: Facelift" (2022) Role: Virginia Mallow

Judith Light in "The Menu" (2022)

"The Menu" (2022) Role: Anne


Victoria Pedretti (BFA, 2017)

Victoria Pedretti in "The Haunting of Hill House"

"The Haunting of Hill House" (2018) Role: Nell Crain

Victoria Pedretti in " The Haunting of Bly Manor"

"The Haunting of Bly Manor" (2020) Role: Dani Clayton


Patrick Wilson (BFA, 1995)

Patrick Wilson in "Insidious"

"Insidious" (2010, 2013, 2018, 2023) Role: Josh Lambert | Director: "The Red Door" (2023)

Patrick Wilson in "The Conjuring"

"The Conjuring" (2013, 2016, 2021) Role: Ed Warren

Patrick Wilson in "Annabelle Comes Home" (2019)

"Annabelle Comes Home" (2019) Role: Ed Warren


Leslie Odom, Jr. (BFA, 2003)

Leslie Odom, Jr. in "The Exorcist: Believer" (2023)

"The Exorcist: Believer" (2023) Role: Victor Fielding


Barbara Feldon (BFA, 1955)

Barbara Feldon in "A Vacation in Hell" (1979)

"A Vacation in Hell" (1979) Role: Evelyn


Cherry Jones (BFA, 1978)

Cherry Jones in "Signs"

"Signs" (2002) Role: Officer Paski

Cherry Jones in "The Village"

"The Village" (2004) Role: Mrs. Clack


Billy Porter (BFA, 1991)

Billy Porter in "American Horror Story"

"American Horror Story" (2018) Role: Behold Chablis

Billy Porter in "The Twilight Zone"

"The Twilight Zone" (2020) Role: Keith


Tamara Tunie (BFA, 1981)

Tamara Tunie in "The Devil's Advocate"

"The Devil's Advocate" (1997) Role: Jackie Heath


Matt Bomer (BFA, 2001)

Matt Bomer in "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning" (2006)

"The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning" (2006) Role: Eric

Matt Bomer in "American Horror Story"

"American Horror Story" (2014-16) Roles: Andy, Donovan, Chuck


Ming-Na Wen (BFA, 1986)

Ming-Na Wen in "The Darkness" (2016)

"The Darkness" (2016) Role: Wendy Richards


Dagmara Domińczyk (BFA, 1998)

Dagmara_Domińczyk in "They" (2002)

"They" (2002) Role: Terry Alba


Zachary Quinto (1999)

Zachary Quinto in "American Horror Story"

"American Horror Story" (2011-23) Roles: Sam Jones, Chad Warwick & Dr. Oliver Thredson


Sutton Foster

Sutton Foster in "Gravy" (2015)

"Gravy" (2015) Role: Kerry


James Cromwell

James Cromwell and Tom Hanks in "The Green Mile"

"The Green Mile" (1999) Role: Warden Hal Moores

James Cromwell (center) and cast in "Six Feet Under"

"Six Feet Under" (2003–2005) Role: George Sibley

James Cromwell in "American Horror Story"

"American Horror Story: Asylum" (2012-2013) Role: Dr. Arthur Arden


Ethan Hawke

Ethan Hawke in "Sinister"

"Sinister" (2012) Role: Ellison Oswalt

Ethan Hawke in "The Purge"

"The Purge" (2013) Role: James Sandin

Ethan Hawke in "The Black Phone" (2021)

"The Black Phone" (2021) Role: The Grabber


Joe Manganiello

Joe Manganiello in "True Blood"

"True Blood" (2010-14) Role: Alcide Herveaux


Michael McKean

"Hider in the House"

"Hider in the House" (1989) Role: Phil Dreyer

Michael McKean in "Joshua" (2007)

"Joshua" (2007) Role: Chester Jenkins


Albert Brooks

Twilight Zone: The Movie

"Twilight Zone: The Movie" (1983) Role: Car Driver (Prologue)


Michael Keaton (ETC Visiting Scholar, 2014)

Michael Keaton in "Beetlejuice"

"Beetlejuice" (1988) Role: Betelgeuse

Michael Keaton in "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" (2024)

"Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" (2024) Role: Betelgeuse