Interview: Kyra Schon
Ryan talks with Night of the Living Dead '68 star Kyra Schon about her roll in the most revered horror movie in history.
Living-Dead.com: I understand the original part for a child was written for a young boy. Were you somewhat surprised or nervous to be handed your role in an actual motion picture?
Kyra Schon: I was stunned that I was chosen for the part, but not because the part had been written for a boy. I didn't realize that until many years later. I had been a huge fan of horror movies since I was old enough to turn on the TV by myself and I was thrilled that I'd get to be in one. I was a little nervous about it because I'd never done any acting and I didn't quite know what would be expected of me. I was afraid that if I made a mistake, everyone would be mad at me.
Living-Dead.com: For the people who don't know, Karl Hardman (Mr. Cooper) is your real life father. Was there anything that you and your father rehearsed 'off-set' to get you in shape for your role as the little living-dead girl, Karen Cooper?
Kyra Schon: No, my dad and I didn't rehearse anything. He may have demonstrated how he wanted me to walk. I do remember that he told me to sort of limp. I asked him why I should limp, since I was bitten on the arm. It didn't make much sense to me at the time. Still doesn't.
Living-Dead.com: I understand that you were very fond of Duane Jones (Ben). Can you maybe give us a little insight on what kind of experience it was to work with him?
Kyra Schon: Yeah, I was. He was a really nice man and I regret not seeing him again after the film was over. We only did one scene together, but he was very kind to me and he didn't talk down to me or treat me like I was in the way. He seemed to be very serene and in control and I felt safe with him.
Living-Dead.com: I would imagine, after the release of NOTLD, you were quite a celebrity amongst your friends-(and especially at school)- Can you tell us a little bit about some experiences you had off-set with friends and family due to your portrayal in NOTLD?
Kyra Schon: My best friends were really happy that I was in the movie because they got to attend the premiere. It was a big deal for all of us because none of us had ever experienced anything like it before.
There was one boy at school who had never talked to me before the movie came out, but afterwards, he'd make a point of walking past my house and taunting me. He was a couple of years older than I was. He'd always yell, "Zombie, zombie" when he'd see me. I don't even think he knew my real name. At the time, it made me feel really uncomfortable, because I was the type of kid who would rather disappear into the background. I think that boy was the reason I sort of avoided interviews and wanted as little association with the film as possible for years afterward.
During my first year in high school, one of the the Vice Principals found out that I had been in the movie and he actually announced it over the P.Kyra Schon: system one morning. That was probably the most embarrassing moment of my life.
Living-Dead.com: George Romero is definitely one of the biggest horror-related icons in the world today. What kind of memories do you have while working with such a talented man?
Kyra Schon: When I think of George, I picture him laughing. There's always a twinkle in his eyes and he's a lot of fun. He's truly one of the nicest people on the planet and I feel very privileged to have worked with him, especially on that film.
Living-Dead.com: Portraying a character of such magnitude in such a controversial motion picture, one would think that as a child, it would be hard to distinguish fantasy and reality. Personally, one of the first horror films I ever saw was 'Dawn of the Dead', and I absolutely loved it! What experiences, good and bad did you experience from your role as Karen Cooper?
Kyra Schon: Kids are better at distinguishing between reality and fantasy than most adults are or than most adults give them credit for. Playing "make-believe" comes naturally to them.
Living-Dead.com: I understand that you were quite a horror fan as a child. Are you still? And if so, what are your top five horror films?
Kyra Schon: Yes, I'm still a horror junkie but I'd be hard-pressed to come up with 5 films that scare me. I saw The Ring (the Japanese version) recently and I really liked it. I haven't seen the American version yet, though I hear it's good too. My top five favorites would probably be Halloween, The Bad Seed (I guess that's horror), The Fog, The Omen and Jaws (not sure that's really horror...). My all-time favorite movie monster is Pumpkinhead.
Living-Dead.com: Most child stars usually take off into the acting direction even when they come of age. I understand from information on your personal website that you chose not to take the acting road. What are some of the reasons behind your decision?
Kyra Schon: Let's keep this in perspective, shall we? I was in one movie for less than 5 minutes. I certainly wasn't a "child star". I grew up in Pittsburgh. Enough said.
Living-Dead.com: Since your days of stabbing someone to death with a trowel and feasting on them, what are you up to these days? Any projects?
Kyra Schon: Lots of projects; none of them related to the entertainment industry.
Living-Dead.com: Do people still recognize you or your name as being associated with that black and white zombie film?
Kyra Schon: Only when I go to conventions. Otherwise, I live my life in total obscurity.
Living-Dead.com: And last, but not least, I want to thank you for your time and patience in allowing me to ask you a few question. It's always an honor to speak with someone from such a landmark piece of cinema. I wish you the best of luck in life. Thank You.
Kyra Schon: Thank you!
