Seventies Hollywood star unrecognisable 47 years after legendary horror role that left fans terrified
Date: 2024-10-29A SEVENTIES Hollywood star looks unrecognisable 47 years after her legendary horror role that left fans terrified.
The 75-year-old looks worlds away from her acting heyday on the cult classic.
Jessica Harper has aged gracefully since her memorable performance in the horror film Suspiria (1977).
In the movie, Jessica portrays the character Suzy Bannion, a ballet student who uncovers sinister secrets at a mysterious dance academy.
Her performance effectively conveys Suzy’s innocence and resolve as she faces the chilling truths of the school.
While Suspiria remains her most iconic role, Jessica has also appeared in several other notable horror films throughout her career.
One such film is Phantom of the Paradise (1974), where she plays Phoenix, a singer entangled in a twisted plot involving a demented composer.
Jessica also made a memorable cameo in The Love Witch (2016), a modern homage to 1960s horror, portraying a character named Barbara.
Additionally, she appeared in The Last House on the Left (1972) as Mari’s friend.
Jessica is still active in her career, working in both acting and writing.
She has appeared in various television shows and films in recent years, including a role in the series The Last House on the Left (2020) and guest appearances in other projects.
She frequently shares throwback photos from her younger years on Instagram, which is met with an outpouring of support and appreciation from fans.
In a post featuring a screengrab of herself in the movie Phantom of the Paradise, Jessica interacted with fans by captioning it: “Which year was #PhantomoftheParadise released?”
One fan commented: “1974. Masterpiece film, and you were great in it Phoenix!”
Whilst another added: “You were fantastic in the film, hope all is well!!!”
A third penned: “1974. I was 13 years old, working at cinema in small town. Watched every night during it’s run, now have it on dvd.”
And a fourth wrote: “I loved this movie!”
Best horror films to watch this Halloween
Halloween is the perfect time for horror movie to fans to indulge in all the scares, shocks and thrills.
Whether old favourites or a new chilling tale, here are some top picks to watch this Halloween.
- Alien (1979): Starring Sigourney Weaver, this film follows a spaceship crew who investigate a derelict spaceship and are hunted by a dangerous extra-terrestrial creature.
- The Shining (1980): Based on Stephen King’s novel, the movie stars Jack Nicholson as a recovering alcoholic and aspiring novelist who takes a  a job as winter caretaker for a haunted resort hotel. Meanwhile, his young son possesses clairvoyant powers.
- Nightmare on Elm Street (1984): Wes Craven’s horror classic introduced audiences to legendary villain Freddy Kreuger. This movie also notably marked Johnny Depp‘s film debut.
- The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974): An independent horror film, the story follows a group of friends who fall victim to a family of cannibals. It also introduces the character Leatherface.
- Friday the 13th (1980): Directed by Sean S. Cunningham, this film kicked off a franchise and introduced Jason Vorhees. Â follows a group of teenage camp counselors who are murdered one by one by an unknown killer. Among the cast is a young Kevin Bacon.
- Scream (1996): Written by Kevin Williamson, this film sees Wes Craven pay homage to horror classics – including his own Nightmare on Elm Street. The beginning of a long-running franchise; the cast includes Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox and David Arquette.
- Poltergeist (1982): Directed by Tobe Hooper and written by Steven Spielberg, this supernatural horror film focuses on a family whose home is invaded by ghosts who abduct their daughter.
