Scream Queens Icon
For horror fans, few scenes were as impactful or unsettling as the final scene in Sleepaway Camp (1983). If you’ve never watched that film, I highly recommend it. Also, have no fear of spoilers for that film in this post. Just know that Felissa Rose could have walked away from her film career after starring in Sleepaway Camp and she would still be talked about for her portrayal of the iconic Angela Baker in that film.
Mrs. Rose, born in 1969, continued acting after appearing in Sleepaway Camp, with sporadic appearances in films and on television throughout the 80’s and 90’s. This was done on purpose, as she was attending the Lee Strasberg Theatre Film and Institute (NYU) in order to hone her craft. Rose was in good company at the institute as its list of alumni includes Linda Hamilton, Alec Baldwin, Uma Thurman, Sissy Spacek, Teri Garr, and many more recognized actors and actresses.
After working in stage plays for a bit, Rose ultimately returned to the genre that made her a star. Beginning in the early 2000’s, Mrs. Rose started gaining more and more roles in horror films. She has amassed over 160 acting credits, most of which she achieved after 2003. She continues to actively work, so the list will continue to grow.
In addition to acting, Rose has also produced a number of films and co-hosted the Casualty Friday podcast with fellow Scream Queen Tiffany Shepis and prolific slasher actor Kane Hodder. That trio also appeared in Victor Crowley together and Shepis and Rose have also appeared in other films together as well. Rose also attends multiple fan events throughout the year, happily taking photos and signing autographs for fans.
If I had to pick just one Felissa Rose film to watch, it would definitely be Sleepaway Camp. I also recommend Victor Crowley and Family Possessions. Rose also has a ton of other horror films out there including A Nun’s Curse, Dahmer Vs. Gacy, and Ugly Sweater Party. She’s an independent film darling and loves making horror films so fans have plenty of films to watch that feature Rose.
Felissa Rose is one of the reasons that I started watching horror films on a regular basis. I really enjoyed her performance in Sleepaway Camp and as a result, sought out not only more of her work, but other horror films of the 80’s and 90’s as well. I hope that you enjoyed this brief glimpse at her career. I’ll have another Scream Queen for you tomorrow!
Ken's Alternate Universe! 