From the start, Janus Blythe was born to be a horror actress. Her first two acting roles were in horror films, though they barely noticeable, in The Centerfold Girls and Phantom of the Paradise, both in 1974. Two years later, she started booking slightly bigger parts in Eaten Alive and Drive In Massacre, which culminated in the biggest opportunity of her career. In 1977, she landed the supporting role as Ruby in Wes Craven’s The Hills Have Eyes. Despite the film’s X rating, it was wildly popular at the box office. Janus reprise her role as the friendliest savage in sequel The Hills Have Eyes 2 (1984), which wasn’t nearly as well received or lucrative.
During this time Janus attempted to break into the television scene, with guest spots on shows including “Baretta,” “Divorce Court,” “Off the Wall” and “The Runaways.” When this proved to be not as successful, she turned back to the realm of horror and science fiction movies with a small part in The Incredible Melting Man (1977) and with a co-starring role in Spine (1986) as Carrie Lonegan. Whether due to lack of offers or the desire to pursue other goals, Janus left the industry behind after appearing in action flick Soldier’s Fortune (1991).
So, where is Janus Blythe now?
She’s still retired from the world of acting, but exists in the entertainment industry in one form or another. A 2011 report states that she was hosting her own talk show on a public access station. Janus is a frequent guest at horror conventions around the country and participates in Hills Have Eyes panels and reunions. This can be seen in documentary short Gator Bait: An Interview with Janus Blythe (2015). She’s also very friendly on social media. Make sure you add her on Facebook and say hi, so you can see all of her latest pictures and appearance updates.
