In a nostalgic revisit to the past, actress Kathryn Long, who brought the character of Carly Beth Caldwell to life in the cult classic ‘Goosebumps’, reflects on her time in the series as she prepares to auction off memorabilia from her career. Long captivated audiences with her performance in the iconic “Haunted Mask” episodes, which first aired in the mid-90s. With a history steeped in childhood memories, Long’s upcoming auction is set to rekindle interest in the beloved horror franchise.
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In a conversation with PEOPLE, the actress recounted her casting experience, recalling her audition for what she would soon learn was the pilot episode of ‘Goosebumps’. At just 11 or 12 years old and relatively new to acting, she did not initially grasp the significance of her role. “I think I only had an agent for about a year,” Long admitted. “We didn’t know it was going to be the pilot. We just thought we were auditioning for an episode.”
Long’s excitement grew when she learned that her episode would be focused on “The Haunted Mask”, a title celebrated as one of the series’ most popular books. Her mother’s revelation sparked her interest anew, prompting her to read the book. “You’re just a kid and you just want to have fun,” she noted, but the atmosphere on set began to take on a new weight as they realised the project’s potential.
A pivotal moment during filming was when Long had the opportunity to meet R.L. Stine, the author behind the eerie tales that captivated many children during the series’ heyday. Reflecting on their first meeting, she described him as a “creepy Mister Rogers” due to his calm demeanour and enigmatic presence. “He was very composed and quite stoic on set, but also had this creepy look about him,” Long shared. Stine later praised her performance in his autobiography, a compliment she cherishes. “I’m glad he liked my performance and that we did his story proud,” she remarked.
Long is now parting with key pieces from her career, including Carly Beth’s famed Haunted Mask, as she participates in Propstore’s Summer Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction, scheduled for late August. “Having him on set was really fun. I still remember having those photos taken with him,” Long reminisced, referring to a moment captured on set that illustrates her youthful excitement mingled with a sense of history.
The upcoming auction, set to take place from August 26 to August 29, will include several unique items associated with her role. The Haunted Mask alone is anticipated to fetch between £15,000 and £30,000. Alongside it, Long’s annotated script and a screen-matched bust of Carly Beth will also be available, promising to pique the interest of collectors and fans alike.
Long described the intricate artistry that went into the props and effects during filming, marveling at the lack of CGI in the 90s and how artists crafted everything by hand. “There was a lot of excitement for sure on set,” she recounted. “We all thought that was really cool seeing all the masks and the prosthetics.”
Initially hesitant to part with these cherished mementoes, Long ultimately realised their significance in the broader context of the series. “I thought, this, now, is a good time to part with it,” she explained, suggesting her desire for the items to find new homes with enthusiastic fans of the franchise.
Despite her decision to auction these memories, Long’s connection to ‘Goosebumps’ continues, as she is set to reunite with R.L. Stine in spring 2027 – a moment both actors and the audience eagerly anticipate as it marks their first collaboration since the show ended. As fans prepare for the auction, it is clear that Long’s legacy in the world of children’s horror remains vibrant and significant.