By Paul Salfen
On October 11, 2025, horror fans and movie enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to meet the iconic Pamela Jayne (P.J.) Soles at Frightmare Collectibles, located at 17521 Matany Rd, Justin, TX. Known for her unforgettable role as Lynda van der Klok in John Carpenter’s Halloween (1978), Soles sat down for an engaging interview, reflecting on her career, her love for the spooky season, and her experiences with fans at conventions like Texas Frightmare Weekend.
Soles’ early life was a whirlwind of international adventure. With a Dutch father and a mother from New Jersey, her family moved across the globe due to her father’s work with an international insurance company. From Casablanca, Morocco, to Maracaibo, Venezuela, where she became fluent in Spanish, to Brussels, Belgium, where she attended the International School of Brussels, Soles’ upbringing was anything but ordinary. Initially, she aspired to become the first woman ambassador to the Soviet Union while studying at Briarcliff College. However, a visit to the Actors Studio in New York City changed her trajectory, sparking a passion for acting.
Her big break came when she auditioned for Brian De Palma and George Lucas during their joint casting session for Carrie (1976) and Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977). Soles landed the role of Norma Watson in Carrie, a pivotal moment that launched her into the world of film.
Some of the “Halloween” movies, featuring actress Jamie Lee Curtis and fictional iconic slasher Michael Myers, are coming back to the big screen just in time for this spooky season.
Sitting down to talk before the event, Soles expressed her amazement at the enduring popularity of Halloween. “It’s unbelievable how it just, year after year, gets better and better,” she said, noting the film’s status as a cultural touchstone for horror fans. The original Halloween will see a theatrical re-release in 2,000 theaters across the U.S. this October, a testament to its lasting impact. Soles shared that fans often ask if making the movie was scary. “Absolutely not,” she laughed, recalling how her co-star Nick Castle, who played Michael Myers, was “tickling my neck with the telephone cord” during a memorable scene.
When asked if she anticipated Halloween’s monumental success, Soles was candid: “Absolutely not. I was a young actress just hoping I’d get my lines right.” Her focus was on delivering a good performance, not imagining the film would become a horror classic. Yet, the movie has become a “gift that keeps on giving,” with fans of all ages flocking to conventions to meet her, often dressed as Michael Myers or sporting Halloween-themed merchandise.
Soles’ career extends far beyond Halloween. She starred in cult classics like Rock ‘n’ Roll High School (1979) with the Ramones, Private Benjamin (1980), and Stripes (1981). Reflecting on her journey, Soles pinpointed her move from Manhattan to Los Angeles in 1975 as her “Hail Mary” moment. Arriving with just one suitcase, she took a taxi to Hollywood Boulevard and began auditioning. A pivotal audition with Brian De Palma and George Lucas led to her role in Carrie, setting the stage for her prolific career. “I was wearing my red hat,” she recalled, noting how De Palma instructed her to bring it to the next audition, a small detail that marked the start of her Hollywood journey.
Soles also shared advice for aspiring actors: “Follow your instincts about what you’re good at.” She emphasized the importance of gaining experience in all aspects of production, from acting to backstage work, as her granddaughter is doing in Washington, D.C. Her varied experiences, from theater in high school to modeling and commercials, shaped her resilience and versatility in the industry.
At Frightmare Collectibles, Soles will bring a selection of 8×10 photos from her iconic roles in Halloween, Rock ‘n’ Roll High School, Stripes, and The Devil’s Rejects. Fans often bring unique items for her to sign, from Halloween posters to spatulas from Stripes and even an MP badge from Afghanistan. “They probably all want me to say ‘totally,’” she joked, referencing her famous line from Halloween. Soles also mentioned a Linda van der Klok action figure on a skateboard, which her seven-year-old grandson proudly displays, though he’s not yet old enough to watch the film.
Soles’ connection with fans is heartfelt. She appreciates the enthusiasm of Halloween devotees, many of whom are families who embrace the spooky season. “They love the variety of the sequels and the ongoing saga,” she noted, but the original Halloween remains “near and dear to their heart.” Her appearances at conventions like Texas Frightmare Weekend are filled with meaningful interactions, from moderating panels to answering questions about her experiences.
Beyond her appearance at Frightmare Collectibles, Soles has a busy October planned, with stops in Sacramento and Seattle for events, including one hosted by Elvira. While she’s not currently working on new film projects, she reflected on her recent role in Candy Corn (2019), a horror film with a Cassavetes-like tone. As for Halloween traditions, Soles usually joins her daughter and grandchildren for trick-or-treating, though this year her daughter’s fast-paced group might outpace her. “It’s kind of weird for my kids now because the grandkids are a little bit more savvy,” she said, laughing about their fascination with her Halloween legacy.
Soles is excited to return to Texas, hoping to squeeze in some local flavor, like barbecue at Pappadeaux’s, despite a tight schedule. She looks forward to meeting fans at Frightmare Collectibles, where she’ll share stories, sign autographs, and celebrate the spooky season. “I hope a lot of people come out and say ‘totally’ to me,” she said with a smile.
Don’t miss the chance to meet P.J. Soles at Frightmare Collectibles on October 11, 2025. Whether you’re a Halloweenfanatic or a fan of her diverse filmography, this is an event not to be missed. Happy Halloween, and as P.J. would say, “Totally!”
