Sherry Proctor
Actor
About Sherry Proctor
Sherry Proctor was an American actress best known for her role as Margaret in the infamous 1966 cult film 'Manos: The Hands of Fate.' She portrayed the mother character in this low-budget horror production, which was filmed in El Paso, Texas, on a budget of approximately $19,000. Her character was one of the central figures in the film's narrative about a family that becomes trapped at a remote lodge run by a polygamous cult leader named The Master. Despite the film's notorious reputation as one of the worst movies ever made, Proctor delivered a sincere performance within the constraints of the amateur production. Following her appearance in 'Manos,' there are no documented film or television credits for Proctor, suggesting this may have been her only professional acting role. The film's subsequent cult status, particularly after being featured on Mystery Science Theater 3000 in 1993, has ensured that her performance remains part of cinematic history, albeit as part of one of Hollywood's most infamous productions.
The Craft
On Screen
Naturalistic performance within amateur production constraints
Milestones
- Appeared as Margaret in 'Manos: The Hands of Fate' (1966)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Sherry Proctor's performance as Margaret in 'Manos: The Hands of Fate' has achieved a unique form of cultural immortality through the film's transformation from box office disaster to cult phenomenon. The film's reputation as one of the worst ever made, combined with its featured episode on Mystery Science Theater 3000, has ensured that Proctor's work continues to be viewed and discussed decades after its creation. Her portrayal of the concerned mother character has become part of the film's enduring appeal, representing the earnest attempts of amateur filmmakers to create serious horror despite limited resources and experience.
Lasting Legacy
Sherry Proctor's legacy is intrinsically tied to 'Manos: The Hands of Fate' and its journey from obscurity to cult status. While she may not have had an extensive film career, her performance has been preserved as part of one of cinema's most notorious productions. The film's regular screenings at revival theaters and its continued presence in pop culture discussions ensure that her contribution to this unique piece of American cinema history remains recognized among bad movie enthusiasts and film scholars.
Who They Inspired
As an actress with only one documented film credit, Sherry Proctor's direct influence on other performers is difficult to trace. However, her participation in 'Manos: The Hands of Fate' has contributed to the broader cultural appreciation of 'so bad it's good' cinema, influencing how audiences and critics approach films that transcend traditional quality metrics through their unique charm and earnestness.
Off Screen
Very little information is available about Sherry Proctor's personal life beyond her single film appearance. Like many cast members of 'Manos: The Hands of Fate,' she appears to have been a local actor from the El Paso, Texas area recruited for the production.
Did You Know?
- 'Manos: The Hands of Fate' was filmed in just two days with a budget of approximately $19,000
- The film's director, Harold P. Warren, was a fertilizer salesman who made a bet that he could make a successful horror film
- Proctor's character Margaret was one of the central roles in the film, appearing in most scenes
- The film gained widespread notoriety after being featured on Mystery Science Theater 3000 in 1993
- Many cast members, including Proctor, were local actors from the El Paso, Texas area with little or no professional experience
- The film's title 'Manos' is Spanish for 'hands,' though the film contains very little Spanish dialogue
- Despite its reputation, the film has developed a dedicated cult following and is regularly screened at midnight movie events
- The character of Torgo, played by John Reynolds, has become one of cinema's most iconic 'bad movie' characters
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Sherry Proctor?
Sherry Proctor was an American actress best known for her role as Margaret in the 1966 cult film 'Manos: The Hands of Fate.' She appeared to have only this single film credit in her career, making her a one-film actress whose legacy is tied entirely to this infamous production.
What films is Sherry Proctor best known for?
Sherry Proctor is known exclusively for her role in 'Manos: The Hands of Fate' (1966), where she played Margaret, the mother character in this notoriously bad cult horror film that has since gained a dedicated following for its unique charm.
When was Sherry Proctor born and when did she die?
Unfortunately, detailed biographical information about Sherry Proctor, including her birth and death dates, is not available in public records or film databases. Her only documented film work is from 1966.
What awards did Sherry Proctor win?
Sherry Proctor did not receive any awards or nominations for her performance in 'Manos: The Hands of Fate.' The film itself was not recognized by any mainstream award organizations, though it has gained recognition in retrospect as a cult classic.
What was Sherry Proctor's acting style?
Based on her performance in 'Manos: The Hands of Fate,' Proctor employed a naturalistic acting style that attempted to bring authenticity to her role as a concerned mother, working within the constraints of an amateur production with limited resources and experience.
Why is 'Manos: The Hands of Fate' considered significant?
Despite being widely regarded as one of the worst films ever made, 'Manos: The Hands of Fate' has achieved cult status, particularly after being featured on Mystery Science Theater 3000. The film represents the earnest efforts of amateur filmmakers and has influenced the appreciation of 'so bad it's good' cinema.
Did Sherry Proctor have any other acting roles?
Based on available film records, 'Manos: The Hands of Fate' appears to be Sherry Proctor's only credited film role. No other acting credits have been documented for her in film, television, or theater productions.
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Films
1 film
