Adrienne Barbeau Reflects on Her Unique Career as a ‘Scream Queen’
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Renowned actress Adrienne Barbeau is known for her formidable presence on screen, particularly in the realms of horror and science fiction. At 81 years old, she has gained a reputation that resonates with both fans of cult films and high-profile productions. Recently, Barbeau took to the airwaves, discussing her diverse career in a podcast interview, where she delved into her experiences, including her role in the cult classic, “Bram Stoker’s Burial of the Rats.”
Barbeau, who first achieved fame in the 1970s as the original Betty Rizzo in the Broadway production of “Grease,” has successfully transitioned from stage to screen. She later became a household name through her portrayal of Carol Traynor on the influential sitcom, “Maude,” which starred the beloved Bea Arthur. In the 1980s, she solidified her status as a ‘scream queen’, featuring in iconic horror films such as John Carpenter’s “The Fog” and “Swamp Thing.”
In her recent chat on the Famous podcast hosted by Jacy Dawn Valeras, Barbeau recalled her turn as the “Queen of Vermin” in the 1995 horror television film “Bram Stoker’s Burial of the Rats.” The production took on added significance for Barbeau, as it was filmed in Russia, a country she had long expressed a desire to visit. However, her arrival coincided with a turbulent period of political unrest, which temporarily stalled production.
Despite the challenges posed by the environment, filming proceeded as planned, with Barbeau taking centre stage as the leader of an all-female cult commanding armies of flesh-eating rats to eliminate their foes. The filming proved to be an intriguing experience, as Barbeau recounted the logistics of working with the creatures.
Barbeau noted that while the script called for her to perform alongside around 50 trained rats, only 16 were actually alive during production. The crew resorted to using dead rats and additional special effects to create the desired scenes. “They had to take dead rats and move them all around for every scene,” she shared. She explained that the trained rats’ only skill was their eagerness to eat anything resembling fish: “In every scene where the rats had to swarm over me, they took fish heads and squeezed them all over my Marie Antoinette costume, and the rats just ran all over me.”
While reflecting on this unconventional and slightly humorous filming experience, Barbeau admitted it was not the most pleasant memory, but she laughed it off, highlighting the unpredictability of her career.
As the conversation continued, Barbeau expressed a deep sense of gratitude towards her career and the opportunities it has afforded her. She shared her surprise at the longevity and variety of roles she has enjoyed over the years, remarking, “I just can’t believe that I have had this career that I’ve had.”
The actress openly acknowledged her perception of her own career in relation to those of major film stars, while highlighting her fortuitous path in the industry. “I look at major film stars and think, well, I’ve never had that kind of a career. But I’ve been incredibly blessed,” she reflected. Barbeau conveyed her thankfulness for the continued interest in her work and the chance to engage with fans and audiences now, later in her life.
Indeed, Adrienne Barbeau’s career is a testament to her versatility and resilience in the entertainment world. From notable stage performances to her iconic roles in horror films, she has carved out a unique niche that has garnered her a dedicated following. Her candid reflections in the recent interview shine a light on the realities of being a part of the film and television industry, revealing both the highlights and challenges that come with it.
In an era where many are quick to celebrate mainstream success, Barbeau’s story underscores how a fulfilling career can manifest in diverse ways. Her insights serve as inspiration for aspiring actors and enthusiasts, reminding them of the importance of passion, adaptability, and a little bit of humour in navigating their paths through the arts.