Jonathan Haze, best known for his role as Seymour Krelborn in the original film “The Little Shop of Horrors,” has passed away at the age of 95. His daughter, Rebecca, confirmed his peaceful death from natural causes on November 2, 2024, at his residence in Los Angeles.
Having played the character Seymour in the 1960 cult classic by Roger Corman, Haze became a notable figure in B-movie cinema. Haze’s character, Seymour, a hapless florist assistant, stumbles upon a peculiar plant with a human blood craving in “The Little Shop of Horrors.” The film later sparked an off-Broadway musical in 1982 and a 1986 movie remake featuring Rick Moranis.
Audiences found Haze’s portrayal of the timid florist compelling, and the character Seymour continues to be a cherished figure in the horror-comedy genre.
Jackie Joseph, Haze’s co-star who played Audrey Fulquard in “The Little Shop of Horrors,” lauded Haze’s professionalism amidst the film’s intense production schedule. She highlighted how Haze bore the brunt of the pressure during filming, underlining his critical role in the success of the film.
Born as Jack Schachter in 1929 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Haze’s path into Hollywood was unexpected. While working at a gas station, filmmaker Wyott Ordung discovered him, leading to his acting debut in Corman’s 1954 film “Monster from the Ocean Floor.” This marked the start of his extensive association with Corman, featuring in nearly 20 of the director’s films, such as “The Fast and the Furious” and “Five Guns West.”
Haze also contributed behind the camera, writing the screenplay for the 1962 sci-fi comedy “Invasion of the Star Creatures” and working as a production manager on various Corman projects. He later transitioned into commercial production, creating advertisements for brands like United Airlines and Kool-Aid.
In a reflection on his work in “The Little Shop of Horrors,” Haze shared that the team aimed for a fast and entertaining film, with no anticipation of its eventual cult following. He compared the project to a “home run,” describing the production as a blend of fortune and magic, possibly influenced by the filming location, a stage once used by Charlie Chaplin. According to Haze, the film’s charm had a mystic quality that couldn’t be easily defined.
The 2010 mystery “Nobody Smiling” was Haze’s last film role, wrapping up a career that spanned over five decades and included more than 40 film and television appearances. He is survived by his two daughters, three grandchildren, and one great-grandson.
Jonathan Haze’s contributions have created a lasting impact on cult cinema and B-movie history, and his performances continue to resonate with fans and influence adaptations years after their release.