Barbara Steele, born in Birkenhead, Cheshire, England, originally studied to be a painter, but ultimately became one of the most iconic and beloved horror actresses of all time. Her first film role was in the British comedy, Bachelor of Hearts. Her breakout role was in Black Sunday, which was Mario Bava’s directorial debut. Steele continued to capture the hearts and minds of international audiences in Fellini’s 8½, and gothic films like The Pit and the Pendulum, Castle of Blood, Terror-Creatures From the Grave, An Angel for Satan, Nightmare Castle, and The Silent Scream. Lovecraft fans may remember her as Lavinia Morley in Curse of the Crimson Altar with Sir Christopher Lee, loosely based on Lovecraft’s “The Dreams in the Witch House.”

After a hiatus from horror film work, Barbara returned, much to the delight of her fans, in the 1991 mini-series revival of Dark Shadows as Dr. Julia Hoffman, and continues to pick her projects carefully. Her recent roles in Lost River (written and directed by Ryan Gosling), voiceover work in Kevin McTurk’s The Mill at Calder’s End, and most recently as the voice of Azathoth on the new Dreams in the Witch House Rock Opera’s “Fevered Dreams” EP, have cemented her place in the cosmos as the ultimate leading lady of horror.

BARBARA STEELE WILL BE APPEARING AT THE FESTIVAL ON SATURDAY, OCT 7th ONLY. She will introduce and take part in a Q&A for a special screening of Black Sunday at 1pm on Saturday. Due to very limited room, the auditorium will open to allow seating first to 2017 HPLFF VIP and Deluxe Kickstarter backers and other 3-day pass holders, while seats are available, before being opened to all festival attendees. Please arrive early. Barbara will also be signing in the lobby after the screening.