Joyce Molleur
Actor
About Joyce Molleur
Joyce Molleur was an American actress who is known exclusively for her role as Margaret in the notoriously infamous 1966 film 'Manos: The Hands of Fate.' The film was created by Harold P. Warren, a fertilizer salesman from El Paso, Texas, who made a bet that he could produce a horror movie. Molleur was one of several local actors recruited for the production, which was filmed on a shoestring budget over a period of just a few days. Her character Margaret was one of the main protagonists, a mother who along with her family falls victim to the sinister Master and his servant Torgo. The film gained notoriety decades later after being featured on Mystery Science Theater 3000, cementing its status as one of the worst films ever made. Despite the film's cult following, Molleur appears to have had no other documented acting credits before or after this production.
The Craft
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
Joyce Molleur's cultural impact is entirely tied to her role in 'Manos: The Hands of Fate,' which has become one of the most infamous cult films in cinema history. Though her performance was not critically acclaimed, the film's status as a legendary 'so bad it's good' movie has ensured that her work, however brief, has been preserved in film history. The film's transformation from obscurity to cult status following its appearance on Mystery Science Theater 3000 has given her a small but permanent place in pop culture.
Lasting Legacy
Joyce Molleur's legacy is that of being part of one of cinema's most notorious productions. While she never achieved mainstream recognition, her contribution to a film that has entertained generations of bad movie enthusiasts has earned her a unique place in film history. Her performance as Margaret, alongside the film's other memorable characters, continues to be referenced and parodied in popular culture decades after the film's initial release.
Who They Inspired
Due to the limited scope of her career and the nature of the film, Joyce Molleur did not have a significant influence on other actors or filmmakers. However, as part of a production that has become a touchstone for discussions about cult cinema and 'so bad it's good' movies, she indirectly contributed to the appreciation of outsider art and unconventional filmmaking.
Off Screen
Very little is known about Joyce Molleur's personal life beyond her appearance in 'Manos: The Hands of Fate.' She was likely a resident of the El Paso, Texas area at the time of filming, as the production used local talent. Like many of the cast members of this low-budget production, she appears to have returned to private life after the film's completion.
Did You Know?
- She was one of several local actors from the El Paso, Texas area cast in 'Manos: The Hands of Fate'
- The film was shot in just a few days on an extremely low budget of approximately $19,000
- Her role as Margaret was one of the lead parts in the film
- Like most of the cast, she was paid very little for her participation in the film
- The film gained cult status decades after its release when featured on Mystery Science Theater 3000
- She has no other known film credits before or after 'Manos: The Hands of Fate'
- The film's director Harold P. Warren was a fertilizer salesman with no previous filmmaking experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Joyce Molleur?
Joyce Molleur was an American actress known exclusively for her role as Margaret in the 1966 cult film 'Manos: The Hands of Fate.' She was a local actor from the El Paso, Texas area who appeared in this single film production.
What films is Joyce Molleur best known for?
Joyce Molleur is known only for 'Manos: The Hands of Fate' (1966), where she played the lead role of Margaret. This appears to be her only film credit.
When was Joyce Molleur born and when did she die?
Joyce Molleur's birth and death dates are not publicly documented. Like many of the cast members of 'Manos: The Hands of Fate,' biographical information about her is extremely limited.
What awards did Joyce Molleur win?
Joyce Molleur did not receive any known awards or nominations for her work in film. 'Manos: The Hands of Fate' was not critically acclaimed during its initial release.
What was Joyce Molleur's acting style?
Due to the limited documentation of her career and the amateur nature of the production, Joyce Molleur's specific acting style is not well-documented. Her performance in 'Manos' was typical of the non-professional actors used in the low-budget production.
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Films
1 film
