George Wilbur: Michael Meyers, Above and Beyond! By Brian Kirst

Some would call involvement in celluloid wonders such as The Beastmaster, Poltergeist, Spiderman, Ghostbusters, Mars Attacks, Total Recall, Dead Heat, Silence of the Lambs and The Monster Squad an amazing film legacy, no? And indeed, while those projects alone could cause many a film fan to salivate uncontrollably, they are actually only a small portion of the overwhelming credits of actor-stuntman George Wilbur.

Even more impressive perhaps, is that Wilbur, best known as Michael Meyers from his appearances in Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Meyers and Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers, is an overwhelmingly talented and friendly guy. He recently took a moment to answer some questions about his amazing film legacy, below. When you’re through, be sure to check out www.georgewilburtheshape.com to find out more about Wilbur and his wonderful career and future appearances.

Brian: You’ve appeared in dozens of films- many of them legendary. What was it like playing a thug for director/action film legend Fred Williamson in Death Journey?

George: That question really brings me back. Fred and I were both just starting out in the business at that time. I actually trained him to box and even visited him at his home in Malibu. We also spent a few weeks training together at my buddy’s gym. He was a pretty athletic guy and enjoyed working with him. - In terms of playing a thug in Death Journey, I’ve played a thug during my entire movie career. That’s what I’m known for.

Brian: You worked with veteran actor/director Paul Michael Glaser as a “Lieutenant Saunders” in The Running Man. Do you have any particular memories about working on that film?

George: I remember getting hit by Arnold. It’s always a pleasure working with Arnold, he’s a good guy.

Brian: As the “Bailiff” in Ghostbusters II, were you present for any on set high jinks or off screen bloopers?

George: No, I can’t say I was onset for any.

Brian: What was the most enjoyable part about coordinating stunts for the original Poltergeist film?

George; The thrill of being a coordinator is that the actors actually listen to what you have to say. They trust what you are doing and do a great job of creating the scene. The actors such a Craig T. Nelson, who I’ve worked for on many projects, are very professional, respective and attentive.

Brian: What has been your favorite part of your enduring fame as Michael Myers from the Halloween series?

George: The best part is being asked to do appearances and actually being recognized by the fans. That whole experience was great and I love being involved in that genre of movies. Now they know who George Wilbur is.

Brian: You had to work with a very young co-star, Danielle Harris, on Halloween 4. How did you approach working with her?

George: She was the same age as my daughter at the time. I didn’t want to scare her so I made sure I talked to her before I put the mask on and let her know it’s just a movie and make-believe.

Brian: Do you have a favorite moment of action (a “˜kill” or stunt) from your involvement in the Halloween films?

George: I think the ending truck sequence in Halloween 4 was the best moment of action. It was a complicated shoot with many different kinds of stunts. The best part of it was I didn’t get hurt.

Brian: Any specific memories about doing stunts on, firstly, Monster Squad?

George: A good from of mine was the stunt coordinator on the picture. I specifically remember the scene where I was thrown against a police car door while holing a shotgun and my thumb got caught between the shotgun and the door. A few days later, I lost my thumb nail. I guess that’s the price you pay for being a stuntman.

Brian: How about for Dr. Giggles?

George: For the high fall stunt I did on “Dr. Giggles,” I had to fall straight back without bending my legs and arms. It’s a little strange to fall with a stiff body because your instinct is to turn, look back and move while you fall.

Brian: And - Mars Attacks?

George: All I remember is playing a colonel and I got shot and thrown to the floor as the Martians attacked the command center.

Brian: Lastly, any words of advice (IE: If you’re playing the Boogeyman avoid all animals and kids) or future projects that you’d like to tell us about. And thanks - this has been better than a full bag of candy on October 31st!!

George: I should be appearing at several appearances in October including the 30 Years of Terror Halloween reunion convention in Pasadena, CA (www.30yearsofterror.com). I am also confirmed at Texas Fear Fest 3 (www.txfearfest.com).