Interview by Paul Salfen
Kane Hodder, the legendary stuntman and horror icon best known for portraying Jason Voorhees in the Friday the 13th franchise, is no stranger to Texas. As he gears up for the Texas premiere weekend at a fan-favorite convention in Dallas, AMFM Magazine sat down with Hodder to discuss his career, his love for the fans, and the thrills and challenges of embodying one of horror’s most iconic characters.
A Texas Tradition
Hodder’s enthusiasm for the Dallas convention is palpable. “It’s one of my favorite shows,” he shares, citing the well-run event, great venue, and welcoming atmosphere. For Hodder, who resides in Park City, Utah, the trip to Dallas is a breeze compared to overseas conventions, which he’s been avoiding due to travel hassles. “Coming to Dallas is easy,” he says, though a recent detour through New Jersey made this trip slightly less straightforward. Still, the warm reception from Texas fans keeps him coming back. “The fans are so great,” he notes, making it clear that their energy is a big part of the draw.
Hodder’s connection to Texas runs deeper than conventions. He fondly recalls his first major film location experience in El Paso, working on Lone Wolf McQuade with Chuck Norris. “I spent six weeks on that movie and loved it,” he says, describing his role as one of David Carradine’s bad guys. “Chuck Norris is one of the class acts in this business,” Hodder adds, praising the professionalism he encountered early in his career.
Bringing Jason Back to Life
For horror fans, seeing Hodder slip back into the Jason Voorhees costume is a thrill like no other. At this convention, attendees will have the chance to snap photos with Hodder in multiple iterations of the iconic masked killer, thanks to the craftsmanship of Tom Devlin, who has recreated some of Jason’s most memorable looks. Initially, Hodder hesitated to do costume photo ops, worried it might seem like exploiting the character. But the fans’ excitement changed his mind. “When I realized how excited the fans get, it’s like I’m not just doing it for the money,” he explains. “It’s making people happy.”
Hodder compares the experience to the joy fans would have felt seeing Bela Lugosi in his Dracula costume. “I know from seeing you in that costume, it’s an absolute thrill and so scary too,” the interviewer remarks, to which Hodder quips, “I barely ever kill anybody… at the conventions.” His playful demeanor shines through, though he admits that legal concerns have curbed some of his more physical fan interactions, like jokingly grabbing fans by the throat—a move that once left the interviewer with a genuine look of fear.
A Career Forged in Fire
Hodder’s journey to horror stardom wasn’t without its trials. He candidly shares the challenges of breaking into the stunt industry, a field with no clear audition process. “You get hired because you’re known for something, and how do you get known if you can’t get hired?” he reflects. His determination led him to drop out of college, a decision that disappointed his father, to pursue his dream of becoming a stuntman. That dream nearly ended in tragedy when Hodder suffered severe burns during a fire stunt, landing him in the hospital for five and a half months. “I nearly died,” he says, his voice carrying the weight of the experience.
Tragically, his father passed away before seeing Hodder’s success, a bittersweet note in an otherwise triumphant career. Yet, Hodder’s resilience shines through. He visits burn units to inspire others, drawing on his own recovery to motivate those facing similar challenges. “A doctor telling you is one thing, but they don’t know how it feels,” he says. “When you can talk to somebody that’s been there, you’ll talk to them all day long.”
Beyond the Hockey Mask
While Hodder is synonymous with Jason Voorhees, he’s eager to explore new roles. He recently starred in The Activated Man, a thriller that marked a departure from his usual slasher fare. “It’s probably the most dialog I’ve ever had in a film,” he says, describing a five-minute scene with the actor playing his son. Hodder also hints at upcoming projects, including a comedy that horror fans will love and a new video game where he’s providing motion capture. Fans of his work in the Friday the 13th and Texas Chainsaw Massacre games can expect another exciting title, though he’s tight-lipped about the details. “You’ll be shocked when you hear what it is,” he teases.
A Hail Mary Moment
When asked about his “Hail Mary” moment—the pivotal choice that paid off—Hodder points to a visit to Universal Studios during a college summer break. Watching the Wild West stunt show, he had an epiphany: “That is what I want to do.” That moment sparked a lifelong passion for performing daring, dangerous stunts. Despite the risks and setbacks, Hodder’s drive never wavered. “If you have a dream, go after it,” he advises aspiring actors and stunt performers. “It sounds corny, but that’s what I did.”
Texas Hospitality and Future Thrills
As Hodder prepares for the convention, he’s looking forward to the familiar comforts of Dallas, particularly the hotel restaurant where the staff remembers him from past visits. “I walked in last night, and the bartender remembered me,” he says, appreciating the sense of community. For fans, the weekend promises autographs, photo ops, and the chance to meet a horror legend who’s as passionate about his craft as ever.
With a comedy and a new video game on the horizon, Hodder shows no signs of slowing down. His advice to himself and others? “I survived that burn injury. Now don’t mess it up.” For Kane Hodder, every job is a chance to make it as good as possible, whether he’s wielding a machete as Jason or inspiring the next generation of dreamers.
Catch Kane Hodder at the Texas convention this weekend, and keep an eye out for his upcoming projects that promise to thrill and surprise horror fans everywhere.
