Kathryn Long, known for her portrayal of Carly Beth Caldwell in the iconic 1995 television adaptation of R.L. Stine’s *Goosebumps*, is preparing to part with several significant mementos from her time on the show. The actress, now 44 and a successful theatre director and producer, shared reflections on the lasting impact of *Goosebumps* and the special episode that defined her early career in an interview with PEOPLE.
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The episode titled “The Haunted Mask” left an indelible mark on its young audience, and Long’s excitement at being cast as Carly Beth was palpable when she was just ten years old. “I was thrilled to be part of it,” she remarked, eager to step into the eerie storyline that captivated a generation. As she reminisced about the filming, she noted the unique experience of working with practical effects during an era before CGI were widely used, stating, “All the stuff was made by artists,” highlighting the creative craftsmanship that contributed to the show’s enduring popularity.
Long recalled the intricate process that went into creating the Haunted Mask, recalling her first experience of having a cast made of her face. “It was quite the process,” she explained, adding that the procedure involved being fitted with a mold that covered her entire face. “It’s a little claustrophobic… but knowing that they were making a cast of my face was really fun. The mask was made specifically for me.” This bespoke approach to character design resulted in multiple versions of the mask, enabling a range of performances in the episode.
With seven different masks created, Long finds herself with two significant pieces from her experience: the Haunted Mask and a bust made for her character. These pieces have been safely stored in her father’s garage for the past three decades. “They’ve been perfectly preserved for a very long time,” she stated, having taken care to maintain their condition.
However, Long has decided to part with these cherished items. The Haunted Mask is set to be featured in Propstore’s upcoming Summer Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction, running from August 26 to 29. The mask is projected to fetch between £20,000 and £40,000, while the annotated script and the bust are also expected to draw substantial bids. Long’s decision to sell her memorabilia came after attending a fan convention, where she was surprised by the devotion of *Goosebumps* enthusiasts and the emotional weight that such memorabilia carries for them.
Speaking about her motivation to sell, she reflected, “I thought I’d have forever” keeping these items. Yet, attending the convention and witnessing the fandom inspired her to reconsider their value. “I realised that having these pieces meant so much more to someone else than they would just sitting in my dad’s garage,” she explained.
Art Andrews, Director of Consignments at Propstore, illustrated the significance of such items, noting that the Haunted Mask has become emblematic of 1990s children’s horror television and is highly sought after by collectors. “These objects were not manufactured as collectibles; they were created as part of the filmmaking process,” he said, underscoring the unique history and provenance attached to items like the Haunted Mask.
While Long has moved on from acting, she remains intricately involved in the arts as a theatre director and producer in Washington State. Reflecting on her journey since her childhood success, she expressed gratitude for the experiences and lessons learned during her early career. “I had a really positive experience with it. It gave me a lot of good life lessons and skills,” she stated, emphasising a seamless transition into her current role behind the scenes.
As Long prepares to say goodbye to her *Goosebumps* mementos, she looks ahead with enthusiasm, eager to reconnect with the fanbase that has been reawakened by her past work. The auction represents a unique opportunity for devoted fans to own a piece of childhood nostalgia, particularly during a time when *Goosebumps* continues to endure in popular culture.
Fans and collectors can register for Propstore’s auction, which promises to be a remarkable event for those hoping to acquire a slice of television history. As the days draw closer to the event, the excitement surrounding Long’s treasured items serves as a poignant reminder of the influence of *Goosebumps* and the lasting connections it has forged over the years.