Interviews

Interview with Judith O’ Dea (the original Barbra from Night of the Living Dead)

Dangermouse had the pleasure of interviewing a legend of zombie movies, Judith O’Dea, the original Barbra from “Night of the Living Dead.” Let’s see what she had to say!

ZWN: What was it like being in the original NotLD? Did you have any idea at the time that it would have such a lasting impression and be such an infuence on other zombie films?

JO’D: Playing Barbra was a very exciting ‘next career step’ for me. Prior to the shoot, I had only performed on stage, radio, and TV. Having the opportunity to expand into film work was absolutely wonderful!

No, I certainly had no inkling (nor, I believe, did anyone else involved in the making of NOTLD) that our film would make such an impression and have such a long-running influence on other zombie films.

ZWN: There was a bit of controversy when NotLD first came out. The movie was criticized for its explicit content and a black man in a leading role as a hero. What did you think at the time? What do you think now?

JO’D: I was aware that NIGHT was initially criticized for what reviewers felt was ‘explicit’ content, but did not realize that having a black man in a leading role was received with such disfavor. I personally thought then, as I do now, that having Duane Jones play Ben was an excellent decision on the part of George and company. Duane was an excellent actor — the best to audition — and his being black made absolutely no difference to me. In retrospect, I feel that not making a big ‘racial’ deal about his character was one of the defining characteristics of the film — one that helped set it a part from others then and those soon to come.

ZWN: Is it true that there was a lot of improvisation going on with the dialogue? Do you remember any examples?

JO’D: Yes, there was a great deal of dialogue improvisation. One example in particular was my whole speech to ‘Ben’ about what happened to Johnny and me in the cemetery.

ZWN: You were quite a screamer back then, any comment?

JO’D: It’s funny you make that comment. Personally, I don’t feel I was as much a screamer as I was a terrified ‘yeller’ (if there is such a word )

ZWN: “They’re coming to get you Barbra”, is the most memorable line from NotLD and just about one of the most memorable movie lines in general as well. How often have you had that phrase uttered to you? Are you sick and tired of it?

JO’D: I don’t think a week goes by that someone doesn’t say that line to me. Do I get tired of hearing it? ABSOLUTELY NOT! I love it!

ZWN: Time for the standard ZWN questions. Tell us about your first zombie experience.

JO’D: My first zombie/ghoul experience was while filming NIGHT, and to be honest with you, some of those zombie scenes scared the beejeebies out of me.

ZWN: In dealing with zombies, what would be your weapon (if any) of choice?

JO’D: I’m not much of a weapons person, so I guess I’ll go with my legs. Running the heck away from them seems my best way of coping.

ZWN: Do you think zombies are overdone, or is there still room for growth there?

JO’D: With the feedback I hear at horror conventions, zombies are here to stay. Do you think there might ever be a story about zombies falling in love and having baby zombies? That might be a way to take it to the next level.

ZWN: Who (or what) do you think would be the best zombie hunter? They could be alive or dead.

JO’D: Woody Harrelson gets my vote!

ZWN: If you were a zombie, who would you eat first?

JO’D: Gee, that’s a toughie. How about Osama Bin Laden. But then if I did that, I’d probably get horribly sick to my stomach.

ZWN: Thank you so much for the interview. In addition to her signature role, O’Dea has appeared in the television movie The Pirate and the films Claustrophobia, Evil Deeds, and October Moon. She also appeared in November Son, The Ocean, and Women’s Studies. O’Dea owns and operates O’Dea Communications, a firm which deals in oral communications training (from Wikipedia).

Tags: interviews, Judith O'Dea, Night of the Living Dead, zombie movies, zombies