Art Ellison
Actor
About Art Ellison
Art Ellison was an American actor whose brief career in film is primarily remembered for his role in the cult classic horror film 'Carnival of Souls' (1962). Little is documented about his life before or after this single notable appearance, suggesting he may have been a local actor from Kansas where the film was produced. His performance in 'Carnival of Souls' came during the film's production in Lawrence, Kansas, and Salt Lake City, Utah, where director Herk Harvey cast many local residents for supporting roles. Ellison's contribution to the film, while small, became part of what makes this low-budget masterpiece so memorable with its eerie atmosphere and unsettling performances. After 'Carnival of Souls,' there is no record of Ellison pursuing further acting opportunities, indicating this may have been his only foray into cinema. His legacy remains tied to this influential horror film that has gained significant cult status over the decades.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in the cult classic horror film 'Carnival of Souls' (1962)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Art Ellison's contribution to cinema, while minimal in scope, is preserved through his participation in 'Carnival of Souls,' a film that has become highly influential in the horror genre. The movie's distinctive atmosphere and psychological horror elements have inspired countless filmmakers, and every performer who contributed to its eerie atmosphere, including Ellison, played a role in creating this enduring cult classic. His presence in the film represents the tradition of local casting that gave many independent productions their authentic, unpolished quality.
Lasting Legacy
Art Ellison's legacy is inextricably tied to 'Carnival of Souls,' a film that has grown from obscurity to become one of the most respected independent horror films ever made. While his individual contribution may have been small, he is forever part of cinema history through his participation in this groundbreaking work that continues to be studied and admired by film scholars and horror enthusiasts worldwide.
Who They Inspired
As a supporting actor in a single film, Art Ellison's direct influence on other performers is difficult to trace. However, his participation in 'Carnival of Souls' contributes to the film's overall impact on the horror genre and independent filmmaking, demonstrating how even minor roles in significant films can become part of cinema's lasting cultural memory.
Off Screen
Very little information is available about Art Ellison's personal life, suggesting he was not a professional actor but rather a local resident cast in 'Carnival of Souls' during its production in Kansas and Utah.
Did You Know?
- Art Ellison was one of many local actors cast in 'Carnival of Souls' during its production in Kansas and Utah
- The film was shot on a budget of only $33,000, making extensive use of non-professional local talent
- Despite having only one film credit, Ellison is immortalized in one of the most influential horror films of the 1960s
- 'Carnival of Souls' was not successful upon release but gained cult status through television airings in the 1960s and 1970s
- The film's director Herk Harvey was a industrial filmmaker who made 'Carnival of Souls' as a side project
- Many of the film's locations, including the Saltair Pavilion, were actual locations that added to the film's eerie atmosphere
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Art Ellison?
Art Ellison was an American actor known primarily for his appearance in the 1962 cult classic horror film 'Carnival of Souls.' His career in film appears to have been extremely brief, with this being his only documented screen credit.
What films is Art Ellison best known for?
Art Ellison is known exclusively for his role in 'Carnival of Souls' (1962), an influential low-budget horror film that has gained significant cult status over the decades.
When was Art Ellison born and when did he die?
Specific birth and death dates for Art Ellison are not documented in available film records, suggesting he was not a professional actor but rather a local resident cast for the film.
What awards did Art Ellison win?
Art Ellison did not receive any documented awards or nominations for his work, which was limited to a single film appearance.
What was Art Ellison's acting style?
Based on his appearance in 'Carnival of Souls,' Ellison contributed to the film's naturalistic, documentary-like feel that was characteristic of director Herk Harvey's approach to casting local non-professional actors.
Learn More
Films
1 film
