Venganza Media Gazette

Corn Connection: Terminator, Living Dead, and Garbage Day!

As Now Playing Podcast embarks on its nine-part Children of the Corn series, listeners are invited to take part in some behind-the-scenes fun; pointing the stars of the franchise toward their places in the Now Playing archives.

Stars? Actually, yes. It turns out, the cornfields are full of familiar faces. Perhaps the word “stars” is stretching it a bit, but there’s no doubt you’ll recognize some of them.

So, what about that 1984 Children of the Corn film? Which actors and actresses went on to further mention on Now Playing Podcast?

Here’s a look:

Linda Hamilton (Vicky) – The Terminator Retrospective Series

There will never be another Sarah Connor (just try it reboots!). Corn was released in theaters about seven months before The Terminator in 1984, and if it weren’t for her iconic role, it’s likely we wouldn’t be talking about Hamilton again unless Now Playing Podcast ever reviews King Kong Lives.

R.G. Armstrong (Diehl) – Predator Retrospective Series

This actor has a career dating back to the 1950s, with more than 180 credits listed on his IMDB page. But to Now Playing Podcast listeners, he’ll always be remembered as Gen. Phillips, the man who sent Arnold Schwarzenegger and his team of commandoes into the jungle, where they ended up facing the Predator.

Why did he pick Arnold? Cause some damn fool accused him of being the best!

John Franklin (Isaac) – Child’s Play Retrospective Series

Listeners will get to know John Franklin very well during the Corn series, as his turn as Isaac will likely be the role that defines his Hollywood career.

But Franklin did make an appearance in another Now Playing series; he did voice work for the first Child’s Play film. Unfortunately, that’s a series currently locked away in the Now Playing vault.

Courtney Gains (Malachai) – Halloween Retrospective Series and Back to the Future Retrospective Series

Gains is one of those 80s actors that you’ll swear you saw in 100 films. You’re probably right some of the time, the rest of the time you’re mistaking him for Stu Charno or Jason Lively.

But Gains has made a couple of appearances in films reviewed by Now Playing Podcast. He’s got an uncredited role in Rob Zombie’s Halloween and also the first Back to the Future film.

The latter will have you scratching your head, but pop in that disc (or tape?) again and take a look. You’ll see Gains in a pivotal scene. Here’s a hint: Earth Angel.

John Philbin (Amos) – The Return of the Living Dead Retrospective Series

Philbin is another actor that you’ll recognize in several roles, most notably as a member of Patrick Swayze’s gang in Point Break.

But he also played a role in The Return of the Living Dead, which is currently locked away in the Now Playing Podcast vault.

Eric Freeman (Israel, uncredited) – Silent Night, Deadly Night Retrospective Series

Wait, Eric Freeman? That Eric Freeman? Garbage Day Eric Freeman??

Yes, one of the most mocked memorable villains in the annals of Now Playing Podcast makes an uncredited appearance in the first Corn film. Sadly, he doesn’t get the chance to speak his most famous two-word line.

But you can enjoy the best/worst that Freeman offers as an actor during Now Playing’s hilarious 2012 holiday series. Enjoy Arnie’s Christmas jingles!

That does it for Children of the Corn. Did we miss anyone? If you spot an actor or actress with a connection to Now Playing Podcast leave a comment and help a fellow listener!

August 20, 2014 Posted by Jason Latham | News, Now Playing Podcast | arnold schwarzenegger, back to the future, child's play, Children of the Corn, courtney gains, eric freeman, garbage day, Halloween, john franklin, john philbin, king kong lives, linda hamilton, Now Playing Podcast, point break, predator, r.g. armstrong, return of the living dead, sarah connor, silent night deadly night, stu charno, terminator | Comments Off on Corn Connection: Terminator, Living Dead, and Garbage Day!