It's finally time for a new Horror Crush. It's really has been too long since the last one, hasn't it? Well this time we have a lady who is not only one of the most absolutely gorgeous (and remains so!) women to ever grace our genre, but also played one of the greatest final girls ever, in the form of Kristy Cotton: Ashley Laurence!
Ashley Laurence made her acting debut in 1987 with writer/ director Clive Barker's masterpiece Hellraiser (1987). An adaptation of his own novela The Hellbound Heart, it is absolute classic of the horror genre and in my top ten favorite movies of all time. The heartwarming tale of a sexual deviant named Frank (Sean Chapman) who escapes from S&M demons, called Cenobites, from a hell of pleasure and pain. Only to then get his brother's sexy wife, Julia (who he had an affair with while he was alive) (Claire Higgins), to kill for him, so that he can get flesh back and live again. So, you know they keep fucking.
The movie was a big hit, especially when adding the famous Stephen King's blurb that Barker was the "future of horror". Critics liked it and so did fans, and it went on to become a ridiculously long lasting franchise. It also cementend Barker as a horror master. Pinhead, the leader of the Cenobites, and the actor portraying, him Doug Bradley, became a horror icon.
Laurence, of course, played the above mentioned Kristy daughter of the hubby in the couple and niece of Frank. She is tough, smart and stands her ground against Frank, Julia, and the leather and chains crew from fucking hell. And, she always feels like a real girl, one that is sweet and likable. The moment I first saw this classic I adored it. It was original, gory, and felt decidedly adult and so different from the slasher dreck at the time. And, I immediately had a HUGE crush on Laurence. Her character became not just one of my favorite final girls but a favorite of just about every horror fan, male or female.
Laurence is once again great as Kristy. Her character's bravery and brains are fully on display, here. I especially love the way she tricks Dr Channard who has become the newest Cenobite. Plus, she looks drop dead gorgeous, even when covered in grue. I think this flick solidified her as one of the greatest final girls ever!
A year later in 1989, she appeared in an episode of the fun anthology series, Monsters. I don't remember this episode, as I haven't watched most of this series, since I was a kid. But, I am sure I was really happy seeing one of my crushes on an episode.
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In 1992, she returned to her most beloved role of Kristy for Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth, but it was only for what amounts to a cameo. She is seen in a short police integration video, trying to explain to them what is going on. It's a cool moment that helps to tie in the first three movies. Also, while flawed, this is definitely the last good movie in what would immediately after this, become a shitty franchise.
I actually tried to watch this back when it aired on cable several years ago. But, it was so bad, that I shut it off. Sometime ago, I bought the trilogy on Blu-ray at a great price over on Hamilton Books. Since, I rewatched the other two (both are fun but the second film is by far the best in the franchise and has a Horror Crush inductee of its own in the form of Paula Marshall), I said fuck it let's actually watch the third movie. And, honesty, Laurence is the best thing in this crap, She gives a good performance and looks incredible. If it wasn't for her, I would think even less of this flick. But, you can thank this viewing for making me want to induct her and write this post.
Making the metalhead in me happy, she appeared in 2009 in a video for one of my favorite bands Slipknot for their song Snuff.
2018, saw me making a childhood dream come true by meeting her at a Monster-Mania. She was so sweet and friendly. She talked to us for so long that her handler said we need to move along! Not only that, but she is absolutely breathtaking in person!
Her latest and most recent horror appearance was an episode for Shudder's fun Creepshow series. I honestly don't remember the episode all that well, just bits and pieces and that the FX were great.I also recall that she was great in her role and looked amazing.
Aside from being a great actress, Laurence is also an accomplished artist. Her art is beautiful, dark, and I am quite the fan of it. I remember first hearing about it in an interview with her in Fangoria magazine that she did back in the late 80s or so.
A wonderfully talented actress and artist, as well as having played one of the best final girls ever in Kristy Cotton, a genuine sweetheart, and one of the most gorgeous women in horror history, it is with great honor, that I induct Ashley Laurence into this site's Horror Crushes!!
