Tony Moran
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My Interview with Tony
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Tony Moran
I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I am to do this next interview! If you told me, while I was growing up, that one day not only would I get to meet the Michael Myers from Halloween but he would become a very close friend, I’d never believe you!
And yet, here I am with the man, the myth, the legend - Tony Moran! And believe me, in person he is still larger than life to me, as he was on the big screen!
Tony, my friend, what an honor!!! Thank you so much for doing this interview, especially for this most iconic month! Such a special “treat” for our readers!! Now the “trick” will be, what questions could I possibly ask you that you haven’t already been asked?
We first met at the PA Horror Con and then the New Jersey Horror Con. Honestly, you being the face of Michael Myers from Halloween was an enigma to me! The man who did not hide behind a mask. I could only wonder what would you be like in person?
As our friendship grew, I began to see that Tony Moran did not need a mask! That you are comfortable being yourself and have no problem being yourself around your fans!
Do you think your fans are surprised, when they first meet you, to how easy it is to talk to you?
Tony: YES! At first, they are very reserved. Then when they see I want to talk to them, they open up! It always amazes me because I’m a homie and these fans come up to my table and they are the loveliest people I’ve ever met and I just want to get to know them!
Tammy: Well, to be fair, I’m sure they don’t know what to expect? A fan going up to a Michael Myers’s table has a bit of fear of meeting such an iconic scary character! Whereas if they were going up to, let’s say, Peter Pan’s table, they may act differently?
I know being star struck for a fan can be a tough thing to overcome. First-hand experience here, sometimes I meet a star and my mind races thinking “omg, omg, look who I am talking to”! Then I’m sort of at a loss for words, hard to believe I know since I usually talk nonstop.
Is there a trick you use to get your fans to calm down, breathe and just enjoy the moment with you?
Tony: A lot of times, about 80 percent, fans come up thinking I’m going to take their money and they need to split. So, when I ask them their name, they automatically assume I want to know so I can put it on whatever they want me to sign.
Some of them will say no, that’s ok, I don’t need my name on the autograph. And I’m like no, I want to know your name! They will look at me weird, give it to me and then I say their name and “nice to meet you”.
I swear you can see an instant relaxation come over them! They realize I’m not rushing them through an assembly line. I really want to know their name! Once I know it, I get a connection with them. Then the time I get to spend with them becomes even more enjoyable for the both of us!
Tammy: Something so simple, yet so effective! The star they came to see took the time to ask them their name, not for an autograph, but to actually meet them! That is such a priceless moment you are giving them!
You probably never thought being part of that franchise would leave such a lasting mark. Some stars actually hate the idea of being tied to a franchise. However, you’ve seemed to have embraced your iconic role.
Does it surprise you the younger generations seem to enjoy the franchise as much as our generation?
Tony: It does! I see these young kids coming up and they are enamored with Michael Myers, it’s crazy! I’m not really sure why, but they love the franchise!
Tammy: I’ve often wondered about it myself. I love it when I see parents with their kids at the con! You can almost see the parents reliving it through their kids’ eyes. I think it not only makes the parents feel young again, remembering a fonder time, but giving them a connection to their kids. Re-living their past with them.
Do you find that the younger fans are not as fearful as we were? Do you think perhaps movie magic has dulled their fear?
Tony: I do! You have to realize; these kids are exposed to way more than we were! You have your video games, horror movies, you name it, they are exposed to it and they’re fearless!
Tammy: You’re right! I remember sneaking out to see you at the drive-in theater. I had never seen anything like it before and it stuck with me! First of all, I didn’t know the concept of serial killers. Serial killers today are common knowledge not only at the movies but on TV.
The other thing was I had always felt safe in my own home! After seeing that movie, I questioned everything!
What are your thoughts on why the franchise will never die?
Tony: Honestly? I think John Carpenter was brilliant! It was a psychological Halloween masterpiece like Psycho! Here you have this 6-year-old kid who is lonely, and it’s Halloween and all he wants to do is go trick or treating!
And his sister is supposed to be babysitting him, but she’s too busy with her boyfriend. The kid knows what she is doing is wrong somehow, but doesn’t quite understand. All he understands is he’s missing out on Halloween because of her! And he’s mad! And he takes it out on her. Then he’s thrown into a mental hospital for 15 years and escapes; killing babysitters!
I think the reason it is so relatable is, it could happen! Whether it be back in 1978 or now, it could happen! And I think kids can identify so easily because they’d be mad too if they didn’t get to go trick or treating!
Tammy: I had really never thought about it like that. When I think of Michael Myers, I think of him as a man, because I was a teenager when I saw the movie. But if I had been younger, I would have identified with the younger version. That is a very interesting take on why parents and kids alike love this movie!
Do you mind telling us how you became part of such an iconic role?
Tony: At the time, I was broke and sleeping on someone’s couch. My agent was the same as my sister’s Erin, but things were slow. My agent calls me up one day and tells me about a low budget horror movie.
Back then, you tried to stay away from porn and horror movies. If you did them, no one would hire you afterwards. But she assured me this movie was different! John Carpenter was doing it! I had never heard of him. Then she tells me Jaimee Lee Curtis was in it, she was a year younger than me, and I still wasn’t sure, but then she told me that Donald Pleasence was in it. And I loved him! A great actor and I really looked up to him!
So now I had this dilemma. Do I walk away from a horror film that could hurt my career? Or do I give it a shot because I really liked and admired Donald Pleasence? I finally decided what the hell, if I get it, I get it!
Later in a documentary they asked John Carpenter why they cast me and he said and get this …he said “because I thought he had an angelic face” ain’t that a kicker?
Tammy: That’s crazy! All because of that, you are getting to experience what you are now!
Because I am part of the con, I get to see behind the scenes that most do not. And let me tell you, it’s the most amazing experience!
I see the little things that have become some of the biggest moments in a fan’s life! There goes Tony, pushing a woman around the con in a wheelchair because she wanted to see another star.
Or, when I overheard you asking a fan about her father’s health, only to see you embrace her as she tearfully told you he had passed.
I see fans patiently waiting their turn, not just to see you for the first time, but to see you again and again! The way they light up when you see them and how genuine you are when you smile and say, “Hey man, how you doing?”
In fact, just recently at the PA Horror Con, I got to see first-hand this most amazing situation evolve right in front of us. My husband and I were waiting in this long line to see you. There were these 2 women in front of us.
They caught our attention when their mother came up with a brand-new Michael Myers mask. The one daughter instantly grabbed it and lovingly held onto it as she waited. I strike up a conversation with her sister.
The sister proceeds to tell me how much the one holding the mask loves Michael Myers. In fact, she carries a picture of him in her purse! They’ll be driving her somewhere and they’ll look over at her and she has that picture out staring at it.
The woman with the new Michael Myers mask nodded and proudly showed me the picture! She was so excited. It would be the first time she ever met Michael Myers in person. She then carefully put the picture back and anxiously looked forward, waiting patiently for her turn.
Now you had already seen a ton of fans and your line was the longest in the room. But when this woman came up to you, so excited, showing you her new mask, without missing a beat, you gave her your full attention!
You carefully took the mask from her and signed it. You took pictures with her, you talked to her. Your interaction with her was amazing! I’m telling you, there wasn’t a dry eye in the line while we all watched how wonderful you were to her!
I know in my heart you gave that woman a memory she will always treasure!
What does it mean to you when you have those special moments with your fans or when you have fans come back to see you over and over?
Tony: Tammy, I have to admit it was hard for me not to have a dry eye with her too! What a very special lady! Here she had a shirt with me on it, she waited in line patiently to see me, she had the mask her mom had just bought her and she was showing it to me like it was such a treasure! And I’m thinking, she’s here for me! It humbles you.
And with each con I do, I’m getting these fans coming back for more! And you get to know them, bond with them. It means the most to me! It’s not about the money. It’s about making people smile and be happy.
I know how life works. I see these people come up to me and I ask them how you doing? I break them down so they can be homies with me. Everybody in life just wants a friend and I’m all in. But when you try to put it in words, it’s hard. The only way I describe it is I’m blessed!
Tammy: That you are! Not only now with the cons and your fans but the things you have gotten to do in your life and lived to tell the tale, are iconic in itself!
For example, most probably do not know how athletic you are and always have been. You’ve surfed, you’ve taught tennis, you golf, you fish, you ride motorcycles. I could go on and on! Let’s talk about surfing because you are very passionate about it.
What are your thoughts on surfing?
Tony: Surfing is a dangerous sport. I did it for 40 years. I liked the danger of surfing. People see it on TV and I watch it too but I’ve done it! People who have never surfed have no idea how frightening it can be! You have sharks, seals, other surfers, 10 ft waves and a very real threat of drowning!
At 15 when I learned how to surf, I thought this was cool and I continued to do it until I was 60. I even taught my daughter how to surf. I have 2 tattoos on my body of surfing. Surfing is the only sport where you don’t have control. The wave has control! You can ski, play tennis, play baseball and you have control.
In the ocean, the ocean says you’re mine! It will tell you it’s ok if you want to love and have affection for it but it’s going to be dangerous. It’s not going to be safe. It may even mess you up a little! And the threat of drowning is always there, I know! But man, did I love it!
Tammy: That’s powerful! I never thought of surfing being that dangerous! Gives me a whole new respect for it and the ones who do it! I have to say it’s the one thing you and Michael Myers definitely have in common… you are fearless!!!
Recently, you’ve taken another one of your hobbies, riding a motorcycle, and combined that hobby with a tribute to a dear friend.
Would you mind telling us about your motor blogging?
Tony: A buddy of mine, Terry, has Parkinson’s disease. It got so bad he couldn’t ride any more. So, he calls me up and asks me if I wanted his BMW? And I’m like yea, but are you sure? And he proceeds to tell me not only does he have Parkinson’s but cancer in his jaw.
Heartbreaking Tammy, he’s my buddy! The man can’t ride, can’t eat, let alone do other things and it’s bad. And you think to yourself, what can I do? Then I saw these people motor blogging, and I thought, why not? I can take Terry with me, on his bike, and show what he means to me while motor blogging.
Tammy: That’s rough. I don’t know how you do it. I know that whole situation is weighing heavily on your mind and yet here you are at the cons. I admire that about you. You have this personal issue going on and yet your fans have no clue.
Tony: Tammy, we all have problems! But we all can gain strength from one another to get us through.
Tammy: Are there other channels you are doing too?
Tony: Yes! My buddy Kevin, he created a channel for me called thekillerchannel on youtube. I have The Real Tony Moran on Tic Toc and on Instagram The Real Tony Moran.
Tammy: I’ve seen them, I’ve subscribed to them and I love them as I’m sure our readers and your fans will too!
I have to ask. I know at the end of a long weekend at a con, I’m tired and ready to go home as I’m sure you are too. And yet, Paul, my husband, and I can’t stop talking about the con for days after! Who we met, the stories we heard. It’s such a rush!
Do you find yourself talking about the con when you get home?
Tony: I’m exhausted when I get home! I have Debi waiting for me at home. I love Debi, but it’s taken me 65 years to learn how to talk to a woman without making them worry! So, I’ve learned to ease her into all the stories.
When I first get home, I tell her there’s this one thing I want to tell her. Then I tell her another. If I do it in 20 minutes, it’s no good. But over a few hours it’s good. So yeah, I love telling her all the stories from the cons.
Tammy: It is such an amazing time! Well, hopefully, just like your franchise, you keep coming back to life in these cons time after time! Tony, thank you so much for doing this interview and allowing me to let others see you how I see you, a man who will never need a mask!
I also want to thank Todd Starauch and his awesome camera man Gary Wills. Todd was gracious enough to let me do this written interview with Tony on his podcast! If you want to see the live version of this article please check it out at TheHorrorNerd on youtube.
I’ve said it before and I will continue to say it. These cons are amazing events that let you meet the stars you know and love. A chance to reminisce about your past and interact with the ones on the screen that were part of that past.
Even a chance to make it a family event! For doesn’t fear tend to bring us closer together? And what better way than to face your childhood fear with a group of your loved ones to protect you from the boogeyman?
Thank you, Tony, for letting us meet the real boogeyman and be able to live and tell the tale. You certainly make it a memorable occasion for all of your fans!
And yet, here I am with the man, the myth, the legend - Tony Moran! And believe me, in person he is still larger than life to me, as he was on the big screen!
Tony, my friend, what an honor!!! Thank you so much for doing this interview, especially for this most iconic month! Such a special “treat” for our readers!! Now the “trick” will be, what questions could I possibly ask you that you haven’t already been asked?
We first met at the PA Horror Con and then the New Jersey Horror Con. Honestly, you being the face of Michael Myers from Halloween was an enigma to me! The man who did not hide behind a mask. I could only wonder what would you be like in person?
As our friendship grew, I began to see that Tony Moran did not need a mask! That you are comfortable being yourself and have no problem being yourself around your fans!
Do you think your fans are surprised, when they first meet you, to how easy it is to talk to you?
Tony: YES! At first, they are very reserved. Then when they see I want to talk to them, they open up! It always amazes me because I’m a homie and these fans come up to my table and they are the loveliest people I’ve ever met and I just want to get to know them!
Tammy: Well, to be fair, I’m sure they don’t know what to expect? A fan going up to a Michael Myers’s table has a bit of fear of meeting such an iconic scary character! Whereas if they were going up to, let’s say, Peter Pan’s table, they may act differently?
I know being star struck for a fan can be a tough thing to overcome. First-hand experience here, sometimes I meet a star and my mind races thinking “omg, omg, look who I am talking to”! Then I’m sort of at a loss for words, hard to believe I know since I usually talk nonstop.
Is there a trick you use to get your fans to calm down, breathe and just enjoy the moment with you?
Tony: A lot of times, about 80 percent, fans come up thinking I’m going to take their money and they need to split. So, when I ask them their name, they automatically assume I want to know so I can put it on whatever they want me to sign.
Some of them will say no, that’s ok, I don’t need my name on the autograph. And I’m like no, I want to know your name! They will look at me weird, give it to me and then I say their name and “nice to meet you”.
I swear you can see an instant relaxation come over them! They realize I’m not rushing them through an assembly line. I really want to know their name! Once I know it, I get a connection with them. Then the time I get to spend with them becomes even more enjoyable for the both of us!
Tammy: Something so simple, yet so effective! The star they came to see took the time to ask them their name, not for an autograph, but to actually meet them! That is such a priceless moment you are giving them!
You probably never thought being part of that franchise would leave such a lasting mark. Some stars actually hate the idea of being tied to a franchise. However, you’ve seemed to have embraced your iconic role.
Does it surprise you the younger generations seem to enjoy the franchise as much as our generation?
Tony: It does! I see these young kids coming up and they are enamored with Michael Myers, it’s crazy! I’m not really sure why, but they love the franchise!
Tammy: I’ve often wondered about it myself. I love it when I see parents with their kids at the con! You can almost see the parents reliving it through their kids’ eyes. I think it not only makes the parents feel young again, remembering a fonder time, but giving them a connection to their kids. Re-living their past with them.
Do you find that the younger fans are not as fearful as we were? Do you think perhaps movie magic has dulled their fear?
Tony: I do! You have to realize; these kids are exposed to way more than we were! You have your video games, horror movies, you name it, they are exposed to it and they’re fearless!
Tammy: You’re right! I remember sneaking out to see you at the drive-in theater. I had never seen anything like it before and it stuck with me! First of all, I didn’t know the concept of serial killers. Serial killers today are common knowledge not only at the movies but on TV.
The other thing was I had always felt safe in my own home! After seeing that movie, I questioned everything!
What are your thoughts on why the franchise will never die?
Tony: Honestly? I think John Carpenter was brilliant! It was a psychological Halloween masterpiece like Psycho! Here you have this 6-year-old kid who is lonely, and it’s Halloween and all he wants to do is go trick or treating!
And his sister is supposed to be babysitting him, but she’s too busy with her boyfriend. The kid knows what she is doing is wrong somehow, but doesn’t quite understand. All he understands is he’s missing out on Halloween because of her! And he’s mad! And he takes it out on her. Then he’s thrown into a mental hospital for 15 years and escapes; killing babysitters!
I think the reason it is so relatable is, it could happen! Whether it be back in 1978 or now, it could happen! And I think kids can identify so easily because they’d be mad too if they didn’t get to go trick or treating!
Tammy: I had really never thought about it like that. When I think of Michael Myers, I think of him as a man, because I was a teenager when I saw the movie. But if I had been younger, I would have identified with the younger version. That is a very interesting take on why parents and kids alike love this movie!
Do you mind telling us how you became part of such an iconic role?
Tony: At the time, I was broke and sleeping on someone’s couch. My agent was the same as my sister’s Erin, but things were slow. My agent calls me up one day and tells me about a low budget horror movie.
Back then, you tried to stay away from porn and horror movies. If you did them, no one would hire you afterwards. But she assured me this movie was different! John Carpenter was doing it! I had never heard of him. Then she tells me Jaimee Lee Curtis was in it, she was a year younger than me, and I still wasn’t sure, but then she told me that Donald Pleasence was in it. And I loved him! A great actor and I really looked up to him!
So now I had this dilemma. Do I walk away from a horror film that could hurt my career? Or do I give it a shot because I really liked and admired Donald Pleasence? I finally decided what the hell, if I get it, I get it!
Later in a documentary they asked John Carpenter why they cast me and he said and get this …he said “because I thought he had an angelic face” ain’t that a kicker?
Tammy: That’s crazy! All because of that, you are getting to experience what you are now!
Because I am part of the con, I get to see behind the scenes that most do not. And let me tell you, it’s the most amazing experience!
I see the little things that have become some of the biggest moments in a fan’s life! There goes Tony, pushing a woman around the con in a wheelchair because she wanted to see another star.
Or, when I overheard you asking a fan about her father’s health, only to see you embrace her as she tearfully told you he had passed.
I see fans patiently waiting their turn, not just to see you for the first time, but to see you again and again! The way they light up when you see them and how genuine you are when you smile and say, “Hey man, how you doing?”
In fact, just recently at the PA Horror Con, I got to see first-hand this most amazing situation evolve right in front of us. My husband and I were waiting in this long line to see you. There were these 2 women in front of us.
They caught our attention when their mother came up with a brand-new Michael Myers mask. The one daughter instantly grabbed it and lovingly held onto it as she waited. I strike up a conversation with her sister.
The sister proceeds to tell me how much the one holding the mask loves Michael Myers. In fact, she carries a picture of him in her purse! They’ll be driving her somewhere and they’ll look over at her and she has that picture out staring at it.
The woman with the new Michael Myers mask nodded and proudly showed me the picture! She was so excited. It would be the first time she ever met Michael Myers in person. She then carefully put the picture back and anxiously looked forward, waiting patiently for her turn.
Now you had already seen a ton of fans and your line was the longest in the room. But when this woman came up to you, so excited, showing you her new mask, without missing a beat, you gave her your full attention!
You carefully took the mask from her and signed it. You took pictures with her, you talked to her. Your interaction with her was amazing! I’m telling you, there wasn’t a dry eye in the line while we all watched how wonderful you were to her!
I know in my heart you gave that woman a memory she will always treasure!
What does it mean to you when you have those special moments with your fans or when you have fans come back to see you over and over?
Tony: Tammy, I have to admit it was hard for me not to have a dry eye with her too! What a very special lady! Here she had a shirt with me on it, she waited in line patiently to see me, she had the mask her mom had just bought her and she was showing it to me like it was such a treasure! And I’m thinking, she’s here for me! It humbles you.
And with each con I do, I’m getting these fans coming back for more! And you get to know them, bond with them. It means the most to me! It’s not about the money. It’s about making people smile and be happy.
I know how life works. I see these people come up to me and I ask them how you doing? I break them down so they can be homies with me. Everybody in life just wants a friend and I’m all in. But when you try to put it in words, it’s hard. The only way I describe it is I’m blessed!
Tammy: That you are! Not only now with the cons and your fans but the things you have gotten to do in your life and lived to tell the tale, are iconic in itself!
For example, most probably do not know how athletic you are and always have been. You’ve surfed, you’ve taught tennis, you golf, you fish, you ride motorcycles. I could go on and on! Let’s talk about surfing because you are very passionate about it.
What are your thoughts on surfing?
Tony: Surfing is a dangerous sport. I did it for 40 years. I liked the danger of surfing. People see it on TV and I watch it too but I’ve done it! People who have never surfed have no idea how frightening it can be! You have sharks, seals, other surfers, 10 ft waves and a very real threat of drowning!
At 15 when I learned how to surf, I thought this was cool and I continued to do it until I was 60. I even taught my daughter how to surf. I have 2 tattoos on my body of surfing. Surfing is the only sport where you don’t have control. The wave has control! You can ski, play tennis, play baseball and you have control.
In the ocean, the ocean says you’re mine! It will tell you it’s ok if you want to love and have affection for it but it’s going to be dangerous. It’s not going to be safe. It may even mess you up a little! And the threat of drowning is always there, I know! But man, did I love it!
Tammy: That’s powerful! I never thought of surfing being that dangerous! Gives me a whole new respect for it and the ones who do it! I have to say it’s the one thing you and Michael Myers definitely have in common… you are fearless!!!
Recently, you’ve taken another one of your hobbies, riding a motorcycle, and combined that hobby with a tribute to a dear friend.
Would you mind telling us about your motor blogging?
Tony: A buddy of mine, Terry, has Parkinson’s disease. It got so bad he couldn’t ride any more. So, he calls me up and asks me if I wanted his BMW? And I’m like yea, but are you sure? And he proceeds to tell me not only does he have Parkinson’s but cancer in his jaw.
Heartbreaking Tammy, he’s my buddy! The man can’t ride, can’t eat, let alone do other things and it’s bad. And you think to yourself, what can I do? Then I saw these people motor blogging, and I thought, why not? I can take Terry with me, on his bike, and show what he means to me while motor blogging.
Tammy: That’s rough. I don’t know how you do it. I know that whole situation is weighing heavily on your mind and yet here you are at the cons. I admire that about you. You have this personal issue going on and yet your fans have no clue.
Tony: Tammy, we all have problems! But we all can gain strength from one another to get us through.
Tammy: Are there other channels you are doing too?
Tony: Yes! My buddy Kevin, he created a channel for me called thekillerchannel on youtube. I have The Real Tony Moran on Tic Toc and on Instagram The Real Tony Moran.
Tammy: I’ve seen them, I’ve subscribed to them and I love them as I’m sure our readers and your fans will too!
I have to ask. I know at the end of a long weekend at a con, I’m tired and ready to go home as I’m sure you are too. And yet, Paul, my husband, and I can’t stop talking about the con for days after! Who we met, the stories we heard. It’s such a rush!
Do you find yourself talking about the con when you get home?
Tony: I’m exhausted when I get home! I have Debi waiting for me at home. I love Debi, but it’s taken me 65 years to learn how to talk to a woman without making them worry! So, I’ve learned to ease her into all the stories.
When I first get home, I tell her there’s this one thing I want to tell her. Then I tell her another. If I do it in 20 minutes, it’s no good. But over a few hours it’s good. So yeah, I love telling her all the stories from the cons.
Tammy: It is such an amazing time! Well, hopefully, just like your franchise, you keep coming back to life in these cons time after time! Tony, thank you so much for doing this interview and allowing me to let others see you how I see you, a man who will never need a mask!
I also want to thank Todd Starauch and his awesome camera man Gary Wills. Todd was gracious enough to let me do this written interview with Tony on his podcast! If you want to see the live version of this article please check it out at TheHorrorNerd on youtube.
I’ve said it before and I will continue to say it. These cons are amazing events that let you meet the stars you know and love. A chance to reminisce about your past and interact with the ones on the screen that were part of that past.
Even a chance to make it a family event! For doesn’t fear tend to bring us closer together? And what better way than to face your childhood fear with a group of your loved ones to protect you from the boogeyman?
Thank you, Tony, for letting us meet the real boogeyman and be able to live and tell the tale. You certainly make it a memorable occasion for all of your fans!
