PETER CUSHING: GENTLE MAN OF HORROR

This month the world of monsterdom is celebrating the centenary of Peter Cushing, one of the finest actors that this or any other movie genre has been blessed to call one of theirs. One would be hard-pressed to find anyone who disagrees that Mr. Cushing deserves to be included in the lofty canon of horror film actors such as Karloff, Lugosi, Chaney, Price, and Lee. Cushing gave his all in nearly every role he played. His re-imaginings of characters such as Sherlock Holmes and Abraham Van Helsing rank among the best.

Like many actors of his kind, Cushing was a gentle soul, who quietly lived his life in the small English town of Whitstable, painting and enjoying the company of his soul-mate. Tragedy struck when she died after a long and agonizing illness, and Cushing would be affected by this for the rest of his life. We are left with a legacy of films that deserve to be viewed and remembered for years to come.

The May 2013 issue of FORTEAN TIMES magazine includes a remembrance of Cushing by screenwriter Stephen Volk. It encapsulates perfectly the man, his life and his career.