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| Photo: Chiller Theatre |
by Tara Adams
Writer, Haunt Hunters App
PARSIPPANY, N.J. – Monsters, misfits, music fans and movie buffs are gathering in New Jersey once again this weekend. And this time, they'll be wearing party hats.
Chiller Theatre Expo in Parsippany is celebrating 35 years in business, a convention that's transformed a love of horror, sci-fi, and pop culture into a fan institution. The event runs from Oct. 24-26, 2025,at Hilton Parsippany.
Chiller owner Kevin Clement started the event in 1990 as a way for fans to celebrate nostalgia and connect with the celebrities they grew up watching, Eddie Mika, associate producer and guest coordinator, said.
“We kind of recognized that they were longing for something,” Mika said.
The first Chiller convention, called Horror-thon ‘90, was held in an old movie theater in Rutherford, N.J. Mika said it featured 20 vendors and four celebrities:
- Zacherle, known as “The Cool Ghoul”
- Johnathan Harris, who played Dr. Smith in “Lost in Space”
- Dyanne Thorne, star of the “Ilsa” movie series
- Tom Savini, an actor and special effects artist
That first convention also had a visit from Metallica Lead Guitarist Kirk Hammett, who filmed a segment of the documentary, "A Year and a Half in the Life of Metallica," at the event. Hammett also wore an original Chiller Theatre promo t-shirt in the "Last Caress" video in the documentary, according to Chiller Theatre's website.
"Our first convention tee shirt can be seen worn by Kirk in some Metallica promos and live videos and photos from the "Black" album sessions and tour," the website states.
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| Kirk Hammett of Metallica wearing a Chiller Theatre t-shirt. Photo: Chiller Theatre |
Since 1990, the expo has expanded to two shows a year with approximately 100 celebrities and 200 vendors, Mika said.
“I think we were one of the pioneers of the mixed venue,” Mika said, noting that Chiller Theatre features guests spanning all entertainment genres. “Kevin (Clement) always says, 'Chiller Theatre doesn't imitate, we innovate.’”
Among this weekend's celebrity guests are Singer/Songwriter Huey Lewis, Randy Quaid, James Tolkan, Jerry “The King” Lawler, Reginald VelJohnson, Steven Weber, Steve Guttenburg, Ace Von Johnson of Faster Pussycat and L.A. Guns, Life of Agony bassist Alan Robert, and a Night of the Living Dead reunion, featuring nine cast members from the classic horror film.
The expo also features additional events such as live bands, Q&A panels, cosplay, and in October, a costume contest for adults and children.
Mika believes a reason Chiller Theatre has been successful for so many years is because it's fan-focused.
“We try to focus on creating a good experience for the fans, rather than catering to our own interests,” Mika said.
Chiller attendees range from new fans to those who have been going every year since the early days.
"I remember going to Chiller in 2005, when it was in a parking lot with tents," Robert Mound of Lyndhurst, N.J., said. "I remember seeing a bat in a cage with a red light at the start, then the tables set up with all of the actors I grew up on, like Adam West from the original Batman - also the original Louis Lane from Superman, who was in her mid-80s at the time.”
Mika said Chiller Theatre gives fans an opportunity to revel in nostalgia, spend some time with their favorite celebrities, and enjoy time away from every day life.
“Everybody knows that Chiller Theatre is the biggest show on the East Coast,” Mika said. “It gives people a chance to get away and escape for a few hours.”
For more information about admission, guests, and photo ops, visit Chiller Theatre at http://www.chillertheatre.com.
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| Chiller Theatre's first program Photo: Chiller Theatre |
