Jonathan Haze, best known for his role as Seymour Krelborn in the original “The Little Shop of Horrors,” has passed away at the age of 95. His daughter, Rebecca, confirmed that he died peacefully from natural causes on November 2, 2024, in his Los Angeles, California home.
In the 1960 cult classic directed by Roger Corman, Haze’s portrayal of Seymour, a distressed florist assistant who stumbles upon a peculiar plant with a craving for human blood, made him a celebrated figure in B-movie cinema. The film led to an off-Broadway musical in 1982 and a movie adaptation in 1986 featuring Rick Moranis.
The character of Seymour, played by Haze, resonated with audiences, and continues to be an adored figure in the genre of horror comedy.
Jackie Joseph, who played Audrey Fulquard in the original “The Little Shop of Horrors,” commended Haze for his dedication during the rigorous filming schedule. She mentioned that Haze “had practically all the pressure on him,” signifying his crucial part in the success of the film.
Born as Jack Schachter in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1929, Haze’s path to Hollywood was fortuitous. He was spotted by filmmaker Wyott Ordung while working at a gas station, and his acting career began with Corman’s “Monster from the Ocean Floor” in 1954. This marked the start of his extensive association with Corman, featuring in nearly 20 of the director’s films, such as “The Fast and the Furious” and “Five Guns West.”
Haze also contributed off-screen, penning the script for the 1962 sci-fi comedy “Invasion of the Star Creatures” and serving as a production manager on several of Corman’s projects. He later switched to commercial production, crafting advertisements for brands like United Airlines and Kool-Aid.
In an interview about “The Little Shop of Horrors,” Haze explained that the intention was to make a fast and entertaining film, without anticipating the enduring cult following it would attract. He compared the project to a “home run” and attributed the production’s allure to a mix of luck and magic, possibly influenced by the fact that it was filmed on the same stage where Charlie Chaplin once worked.
The 2010 mystery “Nobody Smiling” marked Haze’s final film appearance, bringing a close to a career that spanned over half a century and included more than 40 film and television roles. Haze is survived by his two daughters, three grandchildren, and one great-grandson.
The impact of Haze’s work continues to echo in the world of cult cinema and B-movie history, captivating fans and influencing adaptations long after the original release.
