Jonathan Haze, the actor remembered as Seymour Krelborn in the original “The Little Shop of Horrors,” has died at 95. Haze’s daughter, Rebecca, confirmed that he passed away peacefully of natural causes on November 2, 2024, at his Los Angeles home.
Haze’s performance as Seymour in Roger Corman’s 1960 cult classic made him a celebrated figure in B-movie cinema. In “The Little Shop of Horrors,” Haze plays Seymour, a downtrodden florist assistant who discovers a strange plant with a taste for human blood. The film inspired an off-Broadway musical in 1982 and a 1986 movie adaptation starring Rick Moranis.
His portrayal of the meek florist struck a chord with audiences, and Seymour remains a beloved icon in horror comedy.
Jackie Joseph, who portrayed Audrey Fulquard in the original “The Little Shop of Horrors,” praised Jonathan Haze’s professionalism during the film’s demanding production schedule. She noted that Haze “had practically all the pressure on him,” highlighting his pivotal role in the film’s success.
Born Jack Schachter in Pittsburgh in 1929, Haze’s journey to Hollywood was serendipitous. He was discovered by filmmaker Wyott Ordung while working at a gas station and made his acting debut in Corman’s “Monster from the Ocean Floor” in 1954. This began his lengthy collaboration with Corman, appearing in nearly 20 of the director’s films, including “The Fast and the Furious” and “Five Guns West.”
In addition to acting, Haze worked behind the scenes. He wrote the screenplay for the 1962 science fiction comedy “Invasion of the Star Creatures” and was a production manager on several of Corman’s projects. Later in his career, he transitioned to commercial production, creating ads for brands like United Airlines and Kool-Aid.
Reflecting on his experience in “The Little Shop of Horrors,” Haze explained that the team had aimed to create a quick and enjoyable film, never expecting it to gain a lasting cult following. He likened the project to a “home run” and described the production as a blend of luck and magic, possibly influenced by filming on the same stage where Charlie Chaplin once worked. Haze noted that there seemed to be an indescribable, almost mystical quality to the film’s charm that defied simple explanation.
His final film role was in the 2010 mystery “Nobody Smiling,” ending a career that spanned five decades and over 40 film and television appearances. He is survived by his two daughters, three grandchildren, and one great-grandson.
Haze’s contributions have left an enduring mark on cult cinema and B-movie history, resonating with fans and inspiring adaptations decades after its release.
