This is what horror’s most terrifying villain looks like in real life

One of the most blood-curdling villains in horror movie history looked worlds away from his Hollywood alter-ego ahead of the spookiest day of the year.

Nick Castle shot to fame as the creepiest character Hollywood has to offer, making his debut as Michael Myers in the original Halloween, in 1978.

The classic flick saw scream queen Jamie Lee Curtis as teenager Laurie Strode, who finds herself stalked by Michael Myers, who had escaped after being locked up for murdering his sister.

There have been 13 films across the franchise so far and the 77-year-old has reprised his role over the years, including a stint in 201’s Halloween Kills – while also popping up in cameo appearances.

Despite nabbing a starring role in the hit slasher, which was axed from Netflix just days before Halloween, the actor went unnoticed during a rare outing in LA this week.

New pictures emerged of Nick running errands and leaving his creepy mask safely at home, instead opting for dark jeans and a green T-shirt, paired with a baseball cap and sunglasses.

Horror fans were first introduced to Laurie and masked killer Michael in 1978 and there have been 11 sequels since then, with the 13th – and possibly final – instalment terrifying us all in 2022.

Nick previously shed light on his role in a chat with Vanity Fair, revealing that he was only paid $25 a day for what would become the role of a lifetime.

‘I was paid $25 per day for Halloween,’ he said. ‘That was a lot at the time! You have to remember: my interest in doing the film was being on set, so I could demystify the experience of filmmaking and directing.

‘I expected to hang around the set for no money. But hey, $25 per day, and all I had to do was wear a rubber mask.

‘It’s a mystery what John [Carpenter, director] saw in me and the way I moved. I asked John, “What is this character going to do?” And he said, “Just walk across the street.” I knew Michael’s movements weren’t going to be robotic. He was a real guy. He’s not rushing.’

As well as portraying Michael, he starred in Escape from New York, the Boy Who Could Fly and In Search of Darkness.

He also worked behind the camera for a string of projects, directing Mr Wrong, Dennis the Menace, the Seat Filler and Tap.

Jamie Lee, who bid farewell to Laurie in 2022’s Halloween Ends, became emotional as she discussed how much the character meant to her, during an appearance at New York Comic Con.

‘Laurie Strode is everybody’s sister, everybody’s friend, everybody’s daughter, granddaughter. niece…,’ she told the crowd at the time. ‘She represented pure innocence and kindness. And when she comes into conflict and collision with Michael Myers, who is the epitome of evil, you care about her.

‘When I say you guys have cared for me, you have carried her. You love her, you have loved her. You have to know that I appreciate that. At this point, Jamie and Laurie have become woven together. There is no separation.’

Becoming visibly emotional, she added: ‘I don’t have anything in my life without Laurie Strode. Nothing. I would not have a career, I would not have a family. Everything comes from you loving her, I’m telling you. This should be flipped with the lights on you.

‘I didn’t know it then, I know it now. One of these days – hopefully not tomorrow, but I’m 64, do the math, it’s not in my favor – sooner than later, it’s going to say three words, “Halloween actress dies”.

‘Of course she’s going to die, everybody dies. My point is, the permanent ink of my life is you guys. It is the permanent saturation into me, no matter what I do, whatever I do, forever Laurie Strode is because of you.’

In a new chat with Entertainment Weekly, Jamie Lee remained coy when asked whether she would consider facing Michael down once more.

She said: ‘I have hung up my bell-bottoms and my pale blue button-down shirt, and I have relinquished [Laurie] to the ages with a warm, “aloha,” and a thanks for all the years and memories.’

‘And yet, if I’ve learned anything in my 65 years on the planet, it’s never say never.’

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.