The acclaimed actor Jonathan Haze, best known for his role as Seymour Krelborn in the original “The Little Shop of Horrors,” has passed away at 95. His death was confirmed by his daughter, Rebecca, who reported that he died peacefully of natural causes at his home in Los Angeles, California on November 2, 2024.
Haze’s portrayal of Seymour, the underdog florist assistant in Roger Corman’s 1960 cult film, made him a revered figure in the B-movie genre. “The Little Shop of Horrors” features Seymour’s discovery of an unusual plant with a craving for human blood. The film’s popularity led to an off-Broadway musical in 1982 and a subsequent film adaptation in 1986, starring Rick Moranis.
His character of the timid florist resonated with viewers, making Seymour a cherished character in the realm of horror comedy. Jackie Joseph, who played Audrey Fulquard in the original “The Little Shop of Horrors,” praised Haze’s professionalism during the film’s challenging production period. She pointed out that Haze took on most of the pressure, demonstrating his crucial role in the film’s triumph.
Born as Jack Schachter in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1929, Haze’s journey to Hollywood was unexpectedly fortuitous. He was discovered by filmmaker Wyott Ordung while Haze was working at a gas station. This led to his first acting role in Corman’s “Monster from the Ocean Floor” in 1954, which started his extensive collaboration with Corman. Haze appeared in nearly 20 of Corman’s films, including “The Fast and the Furious” and “Five Guns West.”
Apart from acting, Haze also contributed behind the camera. He penned the screenplay for the 1962 science fiction comedy “Invasion of the Star Creatures” and was a production manager on several of Corman’s projects. Later in his career, he shifted to commercial production, developing advertisements for well-known brands such as United Airlines and Kool-Aid.
In a reflection on his work in “The Little Shop of Horrors,” Haze shared that the team’s goal had been to create an enjoyable, swiftly produced film, with no expectations of it achieving a lasting cult following. He equated the project to a “home run” and attributed the production’s charm, in part, to a blend of luck and magic, possibly inspired by the prior presence of Charlie Chaplin on the same stage.
Haze’s last film role was in the 2010 mystery “Nobody Smiling,” wrapping up a career that lasted for over five decades and included more than 40 film and television appearances. He leaves behind two daughters, three grandchildren, and a great-grandson.
The legacy of Haze’s work continues to resonate in the world of cult cinema and B-movie history, influencing fans and adaptations even decades after its initial release.