John Herman Shaner

Actor

Active: 1959-1959

About John Herman Shaner

John Herman Shaner was a minor American actor who had an extremely brief career in Hollywood, appearing in only one known film. His sole credited role was in Roger Corman's cult classic horror-comedy 'A Bucket of Blood' in 1959, where he played a small supporting character. Like many actors who worked in Corman's low-budget productions, Shaner was likely a day player or bit actor who was hired for a specific role without any substantial film career before or after this appearance. The film itself, directed by Roger Corman and starring Dick Miller, has since become a beloved cult classic, but Shaner's contribution to cinema was minimal and largely forgotten. His career appears to have been confined to this single film role, making him one of Hollywood's most obscure actors from the late 1950s. Beyond this one appearance, there is no record of other film or television work, suggesting he may have pursued acting only briefly before moving on to other endeavors.

The Craft

Milestones

  • Appeared in Roger Corman's cult classic 'A Bucket of Blood' (1959)

Best Known For

Iconic Roles

  • Minor supporting role in 'A Bucket of Blood' (1959)

Must-See Films

  • A Bucket of Blood (1959)

Working Relationships

Worked Often With

  • Roger Corman (director)

Studios

  • Roger Corman Productions

Why They Matter

Impact on Culture

John Herman Shaner's cultural impact is minimal to non-existent, as his career consisted of a single minor role in a film that only achieved cult status years after its release. Like countless other bit players and minor actors from Hollywood's golden age, his contribution to cinema was fleeting and largely forgotten, serving primarily as background texture in a production that would later be appreciated for its camp value and Roger Corman's efficient filmmaking style.

Lasting Legacy

John Herman Shaner's legacy is essentially that of an obscure footnote in film history, representing the thousands of minor actors who briefly appeared in Hollywood films without achieving any lasting recognition. His name survives only in film credits and cinema databases, known primarily to dedicated film historians and completists who study the works of Roger Corman or the detailed cast lists of cult films from the 1950s.

Who They Inspired

Given his extremely limited filmography, John Herman Shaner had no discernible influence on other actors or filmmakers. He represents the anonymous labor force that powered Hollywood's studio system during its peak, where countless individuals appeared briefly on screen without leaving any lasting impact on the art or craft of filmmaking.

Off Screen

Very little is known about John Herman Shaner's personal life, as his brief appearance in film history left virtually no biographical trace. Like many bit actors in Hollywood's studio system, particularly those who worked in low-budget productions, his personal details were never documented in mainstream entertainment publications or studio records that survived to the present day.

Did You Know?

  • John Herman Shaner's entire known film career consists of a single role in 'A Bucket of Blood' (1959)
  • The film he appeared in was directed by B-movie king Roger Corman and was shot in just five days
  • 'A Bucket of Blood' was originally conceived as a quick follow-up to Corman's successful 'Little Shop of Horrors'
  • Shaner's role was so minor that even dedicated film historians have been unable to identify which character he played
  • Like many actors in Corman films, he was likely paid a minimal daily rate for his work
  • The film only achieved cult status years after its release, long after Shaner had disappeared from any public record

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was John Herman Shaner?

John Herman Shaner was an American actor who had an extremely brief career in Hollywood, appearing in only one known film - Roger Corman's 1959 cult classic 'A Bucket of Blood'. His role was minor and he left no significant trace in film history beyond this single appearance.

What films is John Herman Shaner best known for?

John Herman Shaner is known for appearing in only one film: 'A Bucket of Blood' (1959), a low-budget horror-comedy directed by Roger Corman that has since become a cult classic. This appears to be his sole film credit.

When was John Herman Shaner born and when did he die?

John Herman Shaner's birth and death dates are not publicly documented. Like many minor actors from Hollywood's golden age who had brief careers, his personal biographical information was not preserved in entertainment industry records or publications.

What awards did John Herman Shaner win?

John Herman Shaner did not receive any known awards or nominations for his brief acting career. His role in 'A Bucket of Blood' was too minor to warrant industry recognition, and he did not have a substantial enough career to accumulate accolades.

What was John Herman Shaner's acting style?

Due to the extremely limited documentation of his work and the minor nature of his role, there is no substantial information available about John Herman Shaner's acting style or technique. His brief appearance in 'A Bucket of Blood' was likely typical of bit players in low-budget productions of the era.

Learn More

Films

1 film