Latest Photos: Jamie Lee Curtis and Co-Stars

It has been over four decades since John Carpenter’s low-budget indie slasher Halloween hit theaters in 1978. Starring Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode and Nick Castle as Michael Myers, the movie not only set the gold standard of the slasher genre but also became one of the highest-grossing independent films of all time, cementing Curtis’ role as one of the most iconic scream queens and final girls.

Written by Carpenter and Debra Hill, Halloween centers around the fictional “Babysitter Murders” in the town of Haddonfield, Illinois. The story unfolds on Halloween night in 1978 when Michael Myers escapes from Smith’s Grove Sanitarium, 15 years after killing his sister Judith Myers. Michael embarks on a relentless killing spree, leaving Laurie Strode as one of the only survivors.

The original 1978 movie was a breakout hit and has since evolved into a 13-film franchise, with the most recent being 2022’s Halloween Ends, the final installment in David Gordon Green’s sequel trilogy. Even after all these years, Halloween remains a horror film staple, and many of its stars have had long-lasting acting careers.

The daughter of Psycho’s Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis, Jamie Lee Curtis was 19 when she debuted as Laurie Strode. She has reprised the role in multiple sequels, including Halloween II (1981), Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998), Halloween: Resurrection (2002), Halloween (2018), Halloween Kills (2021), and Halloween Ends (2022). Her performance in the franchise has solidified her reputation as a scream queen. Beyond the horror genre, Curtis has starred in films like Trading Places (1983), A Fish Called Wanda (1988), True Lies (1994), and Freaky Friday (2003). In 2023, she won her first Oscar for her role in Everything Everywhere All at Once.

Nick Castle was the first actor to play Michael Myers, donning the iconic mask in the 1978 film. Castle and Carpenter met while studying at USC, and he starred in Carpenter’s 1974 debut film Dark Star. Castle transitioned to a behind-the-scenes role, writing and directing films like Escape from New York (1981), August Rush (2007), and directing Dennis the Menace (1993). He returned to the Halloween franchise in Green’s trilogy, participating in Halloween (2018), Halloween Kills (2021), and Halloween Ends (2022).

Donald Pleasence, known for his role as Dr. Sam Loomis, was already an established actor with credits like The Great Escape (1963) and You Only Live Twice (1967). After Halloween, Pleasence continued to work with Carpenter, appearing in Escape from New York (1981) and Prince of Darkness (1987). He reprised his Dr. Loomis role in several Halloween sequels until his death in 1995.

Brian Andrews played young Tommy Doyle in Halloween. Before the film, he had roles in TV movies and series like Days of Lives and Kojak. After Halloween, Andrews continued acting in films such as The Great Santini (1979) and Three O’Clock High (1987).

Kyle Richards was nine when she appeared as Lindsey Wallace in Halloween. She later appeared in series like Down to Earth, ER, and Love Boat. Richards took a break from acting but returned as a reality TV star on Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills starting in 2010. She reprised her role as Lindsey in Halloween Kills (2021) and Halloween Ends (2022).

Nancy Kyes played Laurie’s friend Annie Brackett in Halloween and reunited with Carpenter in The Fog (1980). Though Annie is killed in the first film, Kyes reprised her role in Halloween II (1981) and appeared in Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982). She eventually retired from acting to focus on her work as a sculptor and theater professor at Cal Poly Pomona.

P.J. Soles portrayed Lynda Van Der Klok in Halloween and made her film debut in Brian De Palma’s Carrie (1976). She appeared in numerous films like Rock ‘n’ Roll High School (1979) and Private Benjamin (1980). Soles had a voice cameo as a teacher in the 2018 Halloween sequel.

John Michael Graham played Bob Simms in Halloween. His appearance in the film marked his final movie credit, though he has continued to appear at conventions. He has worked for Disney since the ’80s.

Charles Cyphers portrayed Sheriff Lee Brackett in Halloween and reprised his role in Halloween II (1981) and Halloween Kills (2021). He collaborated with Carpenter in films like Assault on Precinct 13 (1976) and The Fog (1980). Cyphers also appeared in TV series like Seinfeld and ER.

Nancy Stephens played Nurse Marion Chambers, reprising her role in Halloween II (1981), Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998), and the 2018 sequel. Outside of Halloween, she appeared in series like CHEERS and films like Escape From New York. She is an activist for climate policy and public arts funding and serves on various boards.

More than forty years later, Halloween remains a beloved horror classic, its actors recognized for their iconic roles and enduring impact on the film industry.

Source: Variety, Bloody Disgusting, The Poly Post, PEOPLE