As the Houston Horror Film Festival kicks off this weekend (August 8-10, 2025) at the Houston Marriott Westchase, fans of frights and fantasy are in for a treat with the appearance of Academy Award-nominated actor Chris Sarandon. Known for his unforgettable roles in horror classics and beloved films, Sarandon brings a wealth of stories and charm to the event. In an exclusive interview with AMFM Magazine, he shares insights into his career, the joy of fan interactions, and what’s cooking in his world—literally.
Sarandon, whose voice as Jack Skellington in The Nightmare Before Christmas has become synonymous with Tim Burton’s spooky whimsy, is no stranger to conventions. “I’m in a very fortunate position in that I’ve been in a number of movies that have not only followings but are part of the culture,” he reflects. At this horror-focused fest, expect discussions to lean into his chilling performances, including Jerry Dandrige in Fright Night, Detective Mike Norris in the original Child’s Play, and his role in The Resurrected, an adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft’s work. Of course, his turns in The Princess Bride as Prince Humperdinck and the voice of Jack will likely draw fans with tattoos and tales of how these films shaped their lives.
The actor is genuinely humbled by the impact of his work. “I’ve had people tell me that Jack’s voice… have gotten them through hard times,” he says, recounting a touching story of a young woman whose mother’s addiction made the character’s soothing tones a nightly comfort. “You provide things for people that you don’t always expect. And it’s always surprising and, at the same time, extraordinarily rewarding.” Sarandon approaches these events with humility, emphasizing the fans’ role: “The fans are what make these shows. Obviously, they’re what drive the shows. And we’re really in a position to provide a service… I love to chat with the fans. And we always get unusual occurrences that happen, especially with kids. Kids are the best.”
For aspiring actors flocking to the festival, Sarandon offers candid advice drawn from decades in the industry. “I generally say don’t,” he laughs, not to discourage but to underscore the realities. “This needs to be a calling. It can’t be just something you want to do because you want to become famous, or it looks like it’s a romantic life. It’s not—it’s a tough life. And it’s a life of rejection much more than anything else.” He advises having a “Plan B” and finding ways to express creativity, whether through teaching, community theater, or other outlets. Sarandon’s own journey began with imitation and a bilingual upbringing in a Greek household. “I was always imitating people… I think from the very beginning, required or at least I required myself to be two people.” An acting class in college sealed the deal: “From that point on, I was done. That was it. This is my life.”
When asked about his “Hail Mary” moment—a pivotal, high-stakes success—Sarandon recalls a technically demanding scene from the Hallmark Hall of Fame adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities. Playing dual roles without CGI, he had to nail a split-screen sequence at the end of a long day, with the production’s budget on the line. “I nailed it… It synthesized everything that I learned up to that point in my acting life. I knew about the technical side of it… Wow, this is a moment I’ll always remember.”
Maintaining a success mindset is key for Sarandon, especially for creative types prone to self-doubt. “Depend on your technique… But then once you’ve thought about all those things, to go with your gut when you’re in the moment… You have to be in the moment all the time.” This philosophy has carried him through a prolific career and into new ventures, like his podcast Cooking by Heart. Growing up in his father’s restaurant, Sarandon explores guests’ food memories and life stories. “I talked to actors… some of the Princess Bride cast, some of the Nightmare Before Christmas cast, the Fright Night cast. But I also talk to chefs.” With over 65 episodes available on podcast platforms and YouTube, it’s a heartfelt project he’s scaling back to selective episodes.
Sarandon does about 7-8 conventions a year, from Cleveland to Connecticut and Savannah, but Houston holds special appeal. As for dining out during these trips? “Often I don’t feel like going out… I’m sitting in the hotel room with room service watching a ballgame.” Though he mentions occasional outings with co-stars like the Fright Night gang or Cary Elwes from The Princess Bride.
Horror enthusiasts, don’t miss your chance to meet this versatile icon at the Houston Horror Film Festival this weekend. With celebrity meet-and-greets, panels, and more, it’s the perfect spot to celebrate Sarandon’s legacy. For tickets and details, visit houstonhorrorfilmfest.com. As Sarandon says, “Thank you so much for thinking [of]everybody at the Houston Horror Film Fest.” See you there!
