10 Spooky Icons of Saturday Nights in the ’70s and ’80s

Before streaming and YouTube, these spooky stars owned the late-night airwaves with wild costumes, cheesy jokes, and buckets of fake blood—relive the horror host heyday of the ’70s and ’80s.

Fritz The Night Owl

Frederick C. Peerenboom hosted “Nite Owl Theatre” from 1974, all the way to 1991. In it, he played movies and jazz, offering his own thoughts during breaks. He earned five Emmy Awards during the show’s 17 year run.

Morgus the Magnificent

Created and portrayed by Sidney Noel Rideau, Morgus the Magnificent graced screens from the 1950s through the 1980s. Primarily in the New Orleans and Louisiana area, Morgus showed late night horror and science fiction movies and television shows.

Dr. Shock

Created and played by magician Joseph Zawislak, Dr. Shock was a Philadelphia horror host that introduced lesser known horror movies. His tag line, “Let there be fright!” became a popular saying.

The Ghoul

Ron Sweed played Cleveland’s local horror host, The Ghoul, from 1971-1975. Showing horror movies from 11:30 PM, The Ghoul often added his own takes and sound bites.

Sinister Seymour

Played by Larry Vincent, Sinister Seymour played lowly-rated horror films in LA from 1969 to 1974, providing his own snickering commentary and heckling.

Svengoolie

Originally a local Chicago show, Svengoolie has been on air showing sketches, telling jokes, and showing sci-fi since 1970. Originally played by Jerry G. Bishop from 1970 to 1973, Rich Koz has played the roll since 1979… and still does!

Count Scary

Played by Tom Ryan, Count Scary was Detroit’s horror host from 1982 through the early ‘90s. Like others, he played horror movies, but as a comical and camp vampire. His catchphrase was, “Oooh, that’s scaary!”

Dr. Madblood

Played by Jerry Harrell, Dr. Madblood presented comedy bits before and after commercials, (over horror movies of course), using his retired mad scientist characters, and others.

Dr. Creep

Played by Barry Lee Hobart, Dr. Creep occupied Dayton, Ohio’s airtime. Dr. Creep hosted numerous shows from a daytime kids show, to a late night horror show. He also appeared in music videos, and more.

Elvira: Mistress of the Dark

The only entry on this list from a movie, Elvira, Mistress of the Dark was a fictional horror host created for the similarly titled movie. Played by Cassandra Peterson, Elvira is fired from her role, and horror ensues.