Jonathan Haze, known for his role as Seymour Krelborn in the original “The Little Shop of Horrors,” has passed away at the age of 95. His death was confirmed by his daughter, Rebecca, who stated that Haze died of natural causes at his home in Los Angeles, California on November 2, 2024.
In the 1960s, Haze gained fame for his performance as Seymour in Roger Corman’s cult classic “The Little Shop of Horrors.” As Seymour, Haze portrayed a humble florist assistant who stumbles upon a peculiar plant with a craving for human blood. The movie later inspired a 1982 off-Broadway musical and a 1986 film adaptation featuring Rick Moranis.
Haze’s portrayal of the unassuming Seymour resonated with viewers, and the character remains a popular figure in the horror comedy genre.
Jackie Joseph, Haze’s co-star in “The Little Shop of Horrors,” commended Haze’s professional conduct under the film’s strenuous production timetable. She highlighted that Haze bore most of the pressure, underlining his crucial role in the film’s triumph.
Born as Jack Schachter in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1929, Haze’s path to Hollywood was fortuitous. He was discovered by director Wyott Ordung while working at a gas station. Haze made his acting debut in the Corman-directed “Monster from the Ocean Floor” in 1954. This marked the beginning of his extensive collaboration with Corman, featuring in nearly 20 of the director’s films, such as “The Fast and the Furious” and “Five Guns West.”
Haze was not only an actor but also contributed to filmmaking behind the camera. He penned the screenplay for the 1962 sci-fi comedy “Invasion of the Star Creatures” and managed production on several of Corman’s projects. He later transitioned to commercial production, crafting advertisements for brands like United Airlines and Kool-Aid.
In retrospect of his involvement in “The Little Shop of Horrors,” Haze recounted that the aim was to produce a quick and entertaining film, but they never anticipated its enduring cult following. He compared the project to a “home run” and attributed the production’s success to a mix of luck and magic, possibly influenced by the fact they filmed on the same stage where Charlie Chaplin once worked.
Haze’s last appearance in film was in the 2010 mystery “Nobody Smiling,” concluding a five-decade-long career that included over 40 film and television roles. He is survived by his two daughters, three grandchildren, and one great-grandson.
Jonathan Haze’s work has had a lasting impact on cult cinema and B-movie history, continuing to resonate with fans and inspiring adaptations long after its original release.
