July 1, 2004

Ron Millkie is an actor who’s done his fair share of genre related work, but most horror fans know him as Officer Dorf from the original ‘Friday The 13th’ movie. We spoke to him about his previous work, his appearance in the upcoming Dante Tomaselli film ‘Satan’s Playground’, and found out whom he’d like to have a make out scene with in the future! Read on. – by Robg., Mike C. 7/04

What are your earliest recollections of the horror genre?

I guess my earliest recollection of a horror movie was “THEM”; a black and white horror/ science fiction film I saw with my baby sitter in my local home town theater in Windsor, CT. I loved it even though I had nightmares of giant ants for a couple of weeks.

How did you initially get involved in acting?

I did a summer stock production of “West Side Story” after my discharge from the Air Force and I met some actors who encouraged me to come to New York.

Overall, what were the working conditions like on the set for ‘Friday The 13th’?

The atmosphere on the set of “Friday the 13th” was cordial and professional. The budget was $600, 000; which was pretty high for a low budget movie in 1980.

Did you have any inkling at how huge a success the first ‘Friday The 13th’ movie would be while working on it?

No. I don’t think anyone had a clue.

Your scene is one of the most memorable parts of the first ‘Friday The 13th’ movie. What do you remember about filming it?

Sean Cunningham called me and said he had a part he’d like me to read for. When I arrived on the set I read with Harry Crosby, Kevin, and Jeanette Taylor. I remember Harry saying to me, “I’m unduly impressed”. Sean gave me the script and told me I had the part. The filming went smoothly except the motorcycle fell on me. I hate to disappoint you guys but I’ve never known how to ride a motorcycle. That was a state trooper you saw riding out of Camp Crystal Lake. It’s like old Hollywood make believe. Illusion! All Illusion!

How was your working relationship with the other cast members, including a young Kevin Bacon?

Kevin Bacon was great to work with. He started improvising on me. Moved to my motorcycle like he was checking it out. It was totally spontaneous and gave me another aspect of Dorf’s character to explore.

Were you surprised by the final outcome of the film when you saw it theatrically?

When I saw the film at the first screening no one laughed at my scene. I thought I had failed. I wanted to create some humor in this dark film. About 6 month after the film was released, my wife and I saw it on 42nd St. The audience was mixed, interracial and they cracked up. I felt better.

Are you involved at all in the upcoming Friday The 13th special edition DVD?

Haven’t heard anything about the new Friday the 13th DVD. (?) Would someone email me at RMillkie@aol.com and tell me about it?

What do your remember about working on ‘Return To Salem’s Lot’? Are you a Stephen King fan?

I’m not really a Stephen King fan. Although, I did like “Shawshank Redemption”.

Tell us about ‘Grand Isle’?

“Grand Isle” was a 9 million dollar period piece that bombed. Kelly McGillis (star and producer) made the film too long. Over 3 hours and it couldn’t get a distributor. After Ted Turner bought it for TNT about an hour was cut out including most of my scenes. I did like working with Ellen Burstyn. We became good friends on the set.

Tell us about ‘Meridian’?

“Meridian was my best work thus far. I played a rich bastard who played with peoples genes to create a perfect specimen It was written by a young German (no surprise) filmmaker and is available on DVD in German and English.

You recently worked on ‘Satan’s Playground’; the new film by Dante Tomaselli. Were you familiar with his previous work before working on that project?

I’m embarrassed to say I hadn’t heard of Dante. He called me a said he was a fan. “All right!” I thought, “I liked him immediately!” He wanted me to do a cameo in his film as a cop. I liked working on the film. It was a younger party group and it was a lot of fun. Dante treated me like I was someone (like I coulda been a contender), if you know what I mean. I’d like to work with him again. He’s got a big following and a great future.

You recently appeared at a Chiller convention. What’s the convention experience like for you?

Chiller Convention was a trip. There were people there who knew my lines from Friday the 13th. Plus I met Connie Stevens (30 years too late for both of us, unfortunately but I told her she was still the prettiest girl in the room and I meant it. When I was a kid I used to dream about being in one of those Annette Funicello, Frankie Avalon, Connie Stevens beach movies. And I would have the kissing scenes with Connie! Actually, it’s not too late. Producers, give me a shout!

Anything else you’d like to say to the Icons Of Fright audience?

Thanks guys! Hope to see you at the next convention!