Spooky season is just around the corner, and as a lifelong horror movie enthusiast, constantly wondering how many days until Halloween, I can barely contain my excitement for what is coming. You see, Robert Englund, the man who gave us nightmares for decades as Freddy Krueger, will finally receive his well-deserved star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame… ON HALLOWEEN! Talk about what might be the most perfectly timed celebrity honor in Hollywood history. This event will be one of the best things to do in LA this Halloween season, and you better believe I’ll be there donning my cutest Freddy Krueger costume to witness this legendary moment in person. (Cover photo credit: Tinseltown / Shutterstock)
From Character Actor to Horror Icon
While Robert Englund has enjoyed a diverse career spanning decades, his journey to horror immortality began long before he donned the famous fedora and razor glove. Early in his career, Englund appeared in films like Eaten Alive (1977) and The Mangler (1995), building his reputation as a versatile character actor who could bring depth to even the most sinister roles.
More recently, Englund joined the Stranger Things cast as Victor Creel in season 4. He captivated a new generation of fans proving that his ability to terrify audiences transcends decades. His chilling performance reminded both longtime fans and newcomers why he remains one of horror’s most compelling actors.
The Man Behind the Freddy Krueger Legend
But let’s be honest – while Englund’s filmography is impressive, he will forever be beloved as Freddy Krueger, the killer in the A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise. Freddy as he’s referred, is Wes Craven’s sick and twisted yet devilishly funny killer who stalks you in your dreams. Since I was a kid, Freddy Krueger movies have been my gateway into the horror genre, and Englund’s portrayal remains unmatched in his ability to remain both terrifying and oddly charismatic. Basically, thanks to Englund, the Freddy Krueger movies are the perfect blend of horror and dark humor.
There are nine Freddy Krueger movies including one crossover with Jason Voorhees from the Friday the 13th franchise, and one reboot that starred Watchmen’s Jackie Earle Haley. Robert Englund plays Freddy in eight movies and in the short-lived TV series (too short if you ask me), Freddy’s Nightmares.
What made Englund’s performance so special was his ability to make Freddy Krueger more than just a slasher villain – he created a complex character with personality, humor, and genuine menace that continues to influence horror cinema today. The razor-sharp Freddy Krueger glove, the burned face, the sinister laugh – these elements became horror iconography that continue to influence the genre today.
Freddy Krueger’s Cultural Impact During Spooky Season
The cultural impact of Freddy Krueger extends far beyond the movies themselves. Every Halloween, you’ll see countless people sporting Freddy Krueger costume options, from elaborate movie-accurate replicas to creative interpretations. The character has become as essential to Halloween as jack-o’-lanterns and ghost stories.
Even fashion has embraced the Freddy legacy – the popular Freddy Krueger Dunks from Nike proved that horror continues to influence contemporary culture. These limited-edition sneakers, inspired by Freddy’s signature red and green striped sweater, sold out instantly and demonstrated how deeply embedded this character is in our collective consciousness.
Why This Ceremony Will Be Horror Perfection
The timing is absolutely perfect for spooky season, and I can’t wait to see Englund in person. As someone who has LOVED horror movies since childhood, I can’t think of a more fitting tribute to the man who defined horror for an entire generation, than honoring Robert Englund on Halloween itself. This ceremony represents more than just another Walk of Fame star – it’s a celebration of an entire genre that has shaped popular culture for decades and the actors who dedicate themselves to scaring us in the most entertaining ways possible.
A Free Halloween Experience You Can’t Miss
I plan on being there. Halloween 2025 is on Friday, meaning you can make a three-day weekend out of it. Request off or you can call in sick like I did when I went to see my soap opera star Eric Braeden get his star. This was one of my favorite memories of living in Los Angeles, and a reason why I have it on my list of the best things to do in LA. And did I mention this once-in-a-lifetime experience is FREE. The ceremonies take place from 11:30 am – 12:15 pm and you will want to get there early to secure a good spot. Around 7-10 days before the ceremony, check the official site to get the exact location. And the best part… Aside from getting to see the man, the myth, the legend in person, you never know which of his famous friends and co-stars will show up. I’m looking at you Johnny Depp…
Mark Your Calendars for This Halloween Celebration
So this Halloween season, instead of just watching Freddy Krueger movies at home or piecing together your Freddy Krueger costume, come out and celebrate the man who made it all possible. Here’s to Robert Englund, the actor who taught us that sometimes the most terrifying nightmares make for the most entertaining dreams.
