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Michael Berryman
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Michael Berryman
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Michael John Berryman (born September 4, 1948)[1] is an American character actor.[2] Berryman was born with hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, a rare condition characterized by the absence of sweat glands, hair, and fingernails; his unusual physical appearance has allowed Berryman to make a career out of portraying characters in a number of cult films, horror films and B movies. He first came to prominence for his roles in Miloš Forman's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) and Wes Craven's The Hills Have Eyes (1977). He has appeared in a wide range of feature films and television series, including Star Trek, The X-Files, and Highway to Heaven, in which he portrayed Satan.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Michael John Berryman was born September 4, 1948, in Los Angeles, California, the second of two children of Sloan and Barbara Berryman.[1] He has one elder sister, Virginia.[3] Berryman is of partial German descent;[4] his German great-grandfather was a doctor who worked in Vienna.[5] Berryman's mother was a nurse, and his father was a U.S. Navy neurosurgeon[1] who was deployed to the Hiroshima fallout zone in the wake of the atomic bombing.[6]

Due to his father's exposure to radiation, Berryman was born with hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, a rare genetic condition that affects the development of sweat glands, skin, hair, and fingernails.[7] The condition also led Berryman to develop craniosynostosis, requiring him to undergo cranial reconstructive surgery as a child.[3]

He was raised Roman Catholic and attended Saint Monica Preparatory in Santa Monica.[8] Berryman became an avid surfer from a young age.[4] After completing high school, Berryman attended California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where he studied botany and zoology.[9] Prior to becoming an actor, he worked as a florist.[7]

Career

[edit]

Berryman played Pluto in Wes Craven's 1977 horror film The Hills Have Eyes[2] and the 1985 sequel The Hills Have Eyes Part II.[2] He has also made appearances in the science fiction and fantasy movies My Science Project (1985), Weird Science (1985), Armed Response (1986), Evil Spirits (1990), The Guyver (1991), and Brutal (2007). He appeared in the 1975 Academy Award-winning drama One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.[2] His time on set for The Hills Have Eyes proved difficult for him, since, during the 4-month shoot, temperatures in the desert routinely surpassed 100 degrees Fahrenheit and, without sweat glands, he had to take special precautions to avoid suffering heatstroke.

He had a role in The Crow (1994) as "The Skull Cowboy", Eric Draven's guide to the land of the living. Berryman's scenes were cut from the original theatrical release, but can be found on some DVD releases under "Deleted Scenes".

He has appeared in Star Trek and some episodes of The X-Files.[2] He appeared in the 1985 Mötley Crüe video for "Smokin' In the Boys Room", as well as the introduction to the band's song "Home Sweet Home". He also portrayed the devil in two episodes of Highway to Heaven: "The Devil and Jonathan Smith" (1985) and "I Was a Middle-Aged Werewolf" (1987).

Berryman is a popular draw at genre conventions, such as the 2002 Horrorfind convention in Baltimore, Maryland, and the 2007 Eerie Horror Film Festival in Erie, Pennsylvania. He also appeared in 2001 and 2002 at the Horrorfind convention in Baltimore, Maryland, and in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on June 7 and 8 attending as a guest of "The Milwaukee County Massacre", a horror film convention and music festival. Berryman appeared at the "Scarefest" convention in Lexington, Kentucky, and at the Spooky Empire convention in Orlando, Florida, on October 17–19, 2008. He appeared in Roseville, Minnesota, at Crypticon 2008 for "A November to Dismember" on November 14–16, 2008 for the show's third year.

Berryman starred in the British-Canadian horror film Below Zero (2012), directed by Justin Thomas Orstensen.[10] He was also a special guest at the third annual San Antonio Horrific Film Fest in August 2010,[11] the Cinema Wasteland convention in April 2011 and the Contamination Convention in Missouri in June 2012. From 2014 to 2018 he played the founder of Zona in Z Nation. In 2024, he starred in a horror film, They Turned Us Into Killers with Taryn Manning, Scout Taylor-Compton and Kane Hodder.[12]

Personal life

[edit]

Berryman is a strong advocate for environmental protection and lived on a wolf sanctuary for ten years.[13]

Awards

[edit]
Year Result Award Category/Recipient(s)
1978 Nominated Saturn Award Best Actor – Horror for The Hills Have Eyes
2007 Won EyeGore Award Career Contribution in Horror Genre

Filmography

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
1975 Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze Coroner
One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest Ellis
1977 The Hills Have Eyes Pluto
Another Man, Another Chance First Bandit
1978 The Fifth Floor Mental Patient
1980 Co-Ed
1981 Deadly Blessing William Gluntz
1983 Likely Stories, Vol. 3 Man on television commercial
1984 Voyage of the Rock Aliens Chainsaw
Invitation to Hell Valet
The Hills Have Eyes Part II Pluto
1985 Weird Science Mutant Biker
Cut and Run Quecho
My Science Project Mutant #1
1986 Armed Response F.C.
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home Starfleet display officer
1987 The Barbarians Dirtmaster
Off the Mark Acme Labs Man
Kenny Rogers as The Gambler, Part III Cpl. Catlett
1988 Alf (TV series) Lab Man S02E25
Saturday the 14th Strikes Back The Mummy
Star Trek: The Next Generation: "Conspiracy" Captain Rixx
1989 Star Trek V: The Final Frontier Sybok Warrior Uncredited
1990 Aftershock Queen
Solar Crisis Matthew
Evil Spirits Mr. Balzac
Far Out Man Angry Biker
1991 The Guyver Lisker
Wizards of the Demon Sword Highway Man #1
Beastmaster 2: Through the Portal of Time Pilgrim #1
Teenage Exorcist Herman
The Secret of the Golden Eagle
Tales from the Crypt: "The Reluctant Vampire" Rupert Van Helsing
1992 Little Sister Teacher
Auntie Lee's Meat Pies Larry
1994 The Crow The Skull Cowboy Scenes Deleted
Double Dragon Maniac Leader
1996 Spy Hard Bus Patron with Oxygen Mask
Mojave Moon Angel
1997 Gator King The Tech
2000 The Independent Himself
Rebel Yell Bouncer Uncredited
Two Heads are Better than None Chives, the butler
2005 The Devil's Rejects Clevon
2006 The Absence of Light The Seer
Fallen Angels Mort
Penny Dreadful Gas Station Worker
2007 Ed Gein: The Butcher of Plainfield Jack
Dead Man's Hand Gil Wachetta
Brutal Leroy Calhoun
2009 Brother's War Col. Petrov
Smash Cut Philip Farmsworth Jr.
Outrage Obeah
Necrosis Seymour
2010 The Tenant Arthur Delman
Satan Hates You Mr. Harker
Scooby-Doo! Curse of the Lake Monster Zombie Head
Mask Maker Fred
2011 Below Zero Gunnar
Beg Clayton Starks
The Family William
2012 The Lords of Salem Virgil Magnus
2013 Self Storage Trevor
Army of the Damned Crazy Earl
2014 Apocalypse Kiss David Horn
Erebus Jonah Crane
2015 Kill or Be Killed Dr. Pepperdine
2016 Smothered Himself
Potent Media's Sugar Skull Girls Hobbs
2017 The Evil Within Cadaver
Death House Crau
Z Nation The Founder
ONE PLEASE Ice Cream Man
2018 Violent Starr The Godmichael
2019 Shed of the Dead Derek [14]
Midnight Evil Grandpa Forney Film A.K.A. Midnight Devils
2021 New York Ninja Plutonium Killer (voice)
2024 They Turned Us Into Killers Jed
(TBC) Room 9 Jed Bedford

Audio

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2025 The Temple of the Killer Tiger Monkeys Chief Exec Podcast series[15]

References

[edit]

Bibliography

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Michael Berryman

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Michael John Berryman (born September 4, 1948) is an American character actor renowned for his roles in horror, cult, and B-movies, distinguished by his unique physical appearance resulting from , a rare characterized by the absence of sweat glands, sparse , and missing teeth. Born in , , Berryman debuted in film as the coroner in Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze (1975), followed by a small role as Ellis, a patient, in Miloš Forman's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest later that year, but achieved breakthrough fame portraying the Pluto in Wes Craven's (1977), a role that established him as a late-1970s horror icon. His distinctive look, stemming from his condition, has been a defining feature in his career, allowing him to embody menacing or otherworldly characters without extensive makeup. Throughout the 1980s and beyond, Berryman expanded into science fiction and television, appearing as aliens or villains in shows like Star Trek: The Next Generation (1989), The X-Files (1996), and Highway to Heaven (1985, as Satan), while continuing in films such as Weird Science (1985), The Devil's Rejects (2005), and more recent works like They Turned Us into Killers (2024). With over 100 credits to his name, he remains active in independent horror projects and frequently attends fan conventions, celebrating his cult status in the genre.

Early life and background

Family and upbringing

Michael John Berryman was born on September 4, 1948, in Los Angeles, California, to Sloan Berryman, a neurosurgeon serving in the U.S. Navy, and his wife Barbara. He was the second of two children, with an older sister named Virginia. Sloan's military career included deployment to the Hiroshima fallout zone following the atomic bombing, exposing him to radiation during a classified medical mission. The family's lifestyle reflected the demands of naval service, with frequent relocations that shaped Berryman's early years. Raised in a close-knit household influenced by his parents' professions—his mother worked as a —Berryman experienced a structured environment emphasizing and resilience amid the uncertainties of military life. His father's expertise in provided a foundation of familial support, fostering an appreciation for scientific inquiry from a young age. The Berrymans prioritized education, enrolling him in Catholic grammar and high schools under the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, where the curriculum integrated faith-based values with academic rigor. Berryman's childhood in this mobile, service-oriented family cultivated early curiosity about the natural world, evident in his engagement with outdoor activities and basic sciences during school years, though his path initially leaned toward biological studies rather than performance arts.

Medical condition

Michael Berryman was diagnosed at birth with hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED), a rare genetic disorder that primarily affects the development of ectodermal tissues, including sweat glands, hair follicles, teeth, and skin appendages. HED is caused by mutations in genes such as EDA, EDAR, or EDARADD, leading to impaired formation of structures derived from the ectoderm during embryonic development, and it affects approximately 1 in 20,000 to 100,000 individuals worldwide. Berryman's case was identified immediately after his premature birth in 1948, with medical evaluations confirming the condition's characteristic features. The disorder manifests in Berryman through several prominent symptoms, including a complete absence of functional sweat glands, resulting in an inability to sweat and a heightened risk of overheating; sparse or absent and (hypotrichosis), leaving him without eyebrows, eyelashes, or ; , or missing teeth, which necessitated the use of from an early age; and underdevelopment of fingernails and toenails. Additionally, he exhibits distinctive facial features such as a prominent , , and thick, everted lips, contributing to his unique appearance. These traits stem directly from the genetic disruptions in ectodermal development inherent to HED. In his early years, Berryman underwent several medical interventions to address complications from the condition, spending significant time at for ongoing treatments. As a young child, he required brain surgery to reshape his and accommodate brain growth, a procedure influenced by his father's role as a neurosurgeon. Dental care was also critical, involving prosthetic solutions to compensate for the congenital absence of teeth. The psychological and social impacts of HED were significant during Berryman's formative years, as his atypical appearance led to frequent from peers, which he later described as a common challenge akin to that faced by children with other visible disabilities like . This teasing affected his self-perception, fostering resilience but also highlighting the emotional toll of societal reactions to visible differences. His adapted by leveraging medical expertise—his father's provided access to specialized care—helping to mitigate some physical challenges while navigating the . These early experiences shaped his outlook, ultimately influencing opportunities in where his features became an asset.

Acting career

Early roles and breakthrough

Prior to entering , Berryman worked various odd jobs after high school, including as a florist at a Hollywood flower shop, where he was unexpectedly discovered by renowned producer in 1974. Pal, impressed by Berryman's distinctive appearance, cast him in the film produced by , Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze (1975), where Berryman played the credited role of the coroner in this adventure adaptation of the pulp hero. This minor part marked Berryman's entry into cinema, though it received limited attention upon the film's release. Berryman's first substantial credited role followed later that year as Ellis, a restrained patient in the psychiatric ward, in Miloš Forman's acclaimed drama One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975). Playing the character scarred by past electroshock treatments, Berryman contributed to the ensemble that earned the film five , including Best Picture. The role showcased his ability to portray vulnerability amid intensity, drawing on his physical uniqueness without dialogue-heavy demands. Berryman's breakthrough arrived in 1977 with his iconic turn as Pluto in Wes Craven's low-budget The Hills Have Eyes. Having seen Berryman's work in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Craven specifically sought him for the part of the feral, inbred mutant—Pluto, the sadistic scout of a cannibalistic clan—envisioning the character as a silent, animalistic predator to heighten the film's primal terror. Produced for approximately $230,000 and shot over five weeks in California's amid harsh conditions like extreme heat and isolation, the movie drew inspiration from , pitting a modern family against radiation-mutated savages as a metaphor for societal breakdown and familial savagery. Berryman, delivering much of his performance through physicality and minimal lines, later recalled the grueling shoot fostering a raw, immersive atmosphere that mirrored the story's tension. Critics lauded Berryman's menacing presence as Pluto for amplifying the film's visceral impact, with his portrayal becoming synonymous with 1970s horror iconography despite the movie's initial X-rating and mixed reviews for its graphic violence. The role propelled Berryman into genre stardom, initiating in antagonistic parts tied to his , which enhanced his suitability for monstrous figures. Throughout the late 1970s, he took on supporting roles like a in the thriller The Fifth Floor (1978), reinforcing this niche while building his reputation in exploitation cinema.

Horror and genre films

Berryman's work in the 1980s solidified his presence in genre cinema, where his distinctive physical features often cast him as menacing or otherworldly figures. In The Lords of Discipline (1983), he portrayed Hiram, a cadet in the military academy setting that blended drama with tense confrontations, contributing to the film's exploration of institutional hazing and secrecy. Similarly, in Conan the Destroyer (1984), Berryman played Daglo, one of the henchmen serving the villainous queen, enhancing the fantasy epic's roster of grotesque antagonists in a tale of adventure and sorcery. His role as the "Rock Man" in Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989)—a silicon-based alien follower of the renegade Vulcan Sybok—epitomized his suitability for extraterrestrial beings, appearing in a memorable cave sequence that underscored the film's sci-fi mysticism. These performances built on his early typecasting, leveraging his appearance to amplify the eerie or intimidating elements central to genre storytelling. Transitioning into the and , Berryman continued to embody villains and entities in cult horror staples. A notable collaboration came with director in Army of Darkness (1992), the third installment of the Evil Dead series, where Berryman appeared as the Demon Trap Keeper, a grotesque minion in the medieval Deadite army that battles, adding to the film's blend of horror, comedy, and fantasy. This role highlighted recurring motifs in his career, such as portraying mutants or demonic figures whose deformities mirrored his own , which enhanced the visual impact of otherworldly threats in low-budget fare. In Beverly Hills Cop II (1987), he played the henchman Holloway, a thug in the action-comedy's criminal , showcasing his versatility beyond pure horror while maintaining a villainous edge. Berryman's portrayals consistently drew on his unique look to heighten the appeal of these films, making characters like trap-keepers or rock creatures unforgettable icons in fan circles. By the early , Berryman's genre contributions included a brief but striking cameo in The Ring (2002), where his unsettling presence as a background figure amplified the atmosphere surrounding the cursed videotape. Across these decades, his roles as mutants, villains, and beings not only typecast him but also enriched the thematic depth of horror and sci-fi, emphasizing physical aberration as a for the monstrous in society. His collaborations, particularly with Raimi, underscored his enduring draw in cult classics that balanced spectacle with subtle menace. Berryman has remained active in independent horror and genre films into the 2020s, with roles in They Turned Us Into Killers (2024) and Water Rites (2025).

Television and other media

Michael Berryman has made several guest appearances in television series, frequently cast in supporting roles that capitalized on his unique physical features for characters in science fiction, fantasy, and horror contexts. His television work spans the and , emphasizing episodic contributions rather than lead or recurring parts. In 1985, Berryman portrayed the Devil in the "Highway to Heaven" episode "The Devil and Jonathan Smith," where his character tempts an angel and engages in a moral confrontation involving a bookstore owner and a . Two years later, he appeared as Chromedome in the pilot episode of the action-adventure series "The Highwayman," playing a henchman in a high-tech chase narrative centered on a government agent combating crime on the highways. Berryman followed this with a role as Rick Deiter, a family friend, in the 1988 "ALF" episode "We Are Family," which explored themes of extraterrestrial integration into human households. That same year, he guest-starred as Captain Rixx, a Betazoid officer attending a secretive admiralty meeting, in the "Star Trek: The Next Generation" episode "." In 1991, Berryman played vampire hunter Rupert Van Helsing in "Tales from the Crypt," specifically the episode "The Reluctant Vampire," where he pursues a blood bank security guard mistaken for a killer. His most prominent small-screen horror role came in 1995 as Owen Jarvis, a mentally challenged man exhibiting and superhuman abilities to protect a child from harm, in the "The X-Files" episode "Revelations." Outside of scripted series, Berryman contributed to promotional media, including a 1989 television commercial for that tied into a Halloween-themed "Go Psycho with " contest, where he appeared alongside the horror hostess in a spooky promotional spot. He also featured in music videos during the mid-1980s, such as Mötley Crüe's "" (1985) as a high school principal and "" (1985) in a segment depicting tour life. These appearances extended his visibility into non-narrative broadcast formats, aligning with his genre affiliations.

Personal life

Relationships and residence

Michael Berryman has been married to Patricia Cromwell since October 7, 1991. The couple shares one child. Berryman resides in the countryside with his wife and their dog. He maintains a private family life, with limited public details on daily routines beyond his long-term partnership and home environment.

Health challenges and advocacy

In adulthood, Michael Berryman continues to manage the effects of (HED), particularly the absence of sweat glands that leads to profound and recurrent risks of heatstroke. To mitigate these challenges during professional commitments, he relies on air-conditioned trailers and controlled environments on film sets, a necessity stemming from incidents like reaching 103°F body temperature during military training. This ongoing vulnerability has influenced his daily routines and career choices, emphasizing preventive measures to maintain physical stability. Berryman has also navigated dental complications from HED, having no natural teeth from birth, which required the use of throughout his life following early extractions. While specific routines are not publicly detailed, the condition's impact on development contributes to his broader maintenance strategies. In later years, he has encountered additional hurdles, including multiple job losses in civilian roles due to his appearance and physical limitations, prompting him to seek before pursuing acting as a means of financial and medical support. As an for individuals with disabilities, Berryman leverages his visibility in the entertainment industry to highlight the obstacles faced by those with genetic conditions like HED. He has used interviews and public platforms to promote awareness, emphasizing resilience and the importance of support systems for rare disorders. Although specific involvement with foundations is not documented, his efforts focus on fostering understanding and empowerment within communities affected by similar challenges. Berryman is also a strong for ; he lived on the Wolf Mountain Sanctuary in for ten years. Berryman has publicly embraced his distinctive appearance as a source of strength, crediting it for enabling a fulfilling career that defies initial as a "monster" figure—roles he reframed into opportunities for deeper , such as portraying an "angel" in later projects. In reflections, he states that this has allowed him to achieve independence, secure medical insurance, and inspire others to view differences as assets rather than limitations.

Recognition and later activities

Awards and honors

Michael Berryman has not received major mainstream awards throughout his career, but he has earned several nominations and honors within the horror and genres, particularly for his iconic roles and lifetime contributions. In 1978, Berryman received a Saturn Award nomination from the Academy of , Fantasy & Horror Films for in a for his portrayal of in . This recognition highlighted his breakthrough performance in Wes Craven's film, establishing him as a genre staple. Berryman was awarded the Eyegore Award in 2007 for Career Contribution to the Horror Genre during Universal Studios Hollywood's Halloween Horror Nights ceremony, acknowledging his enduring impact on horror cinema over three decades. The honor, presented as part of the event's "Scaremony," celebrated his memorable villainous roles and distinctive presence in films like One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and . In 2022, the Festival presented Berryman with its Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring his significant contributions to the horror genre through decades of character work and fan engagement. Berryman has continued to receive genre-specific accolades in recent years, including a Diamond Award win at the 2018 NYC Indie Film Awards for his role in . In 2024, he shared in the Best International win at the Kollywood International for The Family Business, and earned an Honorable Mention in the Indie category at the Hollywood Gold Awards.

Conventions and public appearances

Michael Berryman has been a frequent guest at horror and genre conventions since the early , leveraging these events to connect with fans and sustain his visibility in the industry after his peak film roles. His appearances often include signings, photo opportunities, and merchandise sales, where he engages directly with attendees drawn to his iconic roles in cult classics. Berryman has expressed enthusiasm for these gatherings, describing them as "really cool events" that allow him to share stories and appreciate fan appreciation. In recent years, Berryman has maintained a robust schedule at major conventions, including Horror Realm, various Comic-Cons, and Frightmare in the Falls. At the 2025 Horror Realm convention in , he participated in a panel discussion moderated by Mike Exler of Otherworldly Culture, covering his career highlights, horror industry insights, and personal anecdotes that captivated the audience. He also attended Frightmare in the Falls on October 25-26, 2025, in , alongside other genre stars, where fans queued for interactions amid themed attractions like Jason's . For Comic-Con-style events, Berryman appeared at London Film and Comic Con in early 2025, offering photoshoots and talks on his diverse filmography. A notable example of fan engagement occurred at Gathering of the Ghouls in August 2024 in , where Berryman mingled with attendees at the Mesa Convention Center, signing memorabilia and recounting behind-the-scenes tales from his horror projects during informal Q&A sessions. These interactions highlight his approachable demeanor, often leading to memorable exchanges, such as fans sharing how his performances influenced their love for the genre. The rise of convention culture has played a pivotal role in Berryman's post-film career, transforming sporadic acting gigs into a steady platform for fan connection and income since the , as horror events evolved from niche gatherings to major industry fixtures. This shift has allowed him to remain a beloved figure, with appearances at over 30 documented events through 2025, emphasizing personal storytelling over new productions.

Filmography

1970s

Michael Berryman's debut in feature films came in 1975 with the role of the Coroner in the adventure film : The Man of Bronze directed by Michael Anderson. That same year, he portrayed the patient Ellis, a undergoing , in Miloš Forman's Academy Award-winning drama One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. In 1977, Berryman gained prominence as the mutant villain Pluto in Wes Craven's , a role that highlighted his distinctive physical appearance. Also in 1977, he appeared as the 1st Bandit in the romantic Western Another Man, Another Chance.

1980s

Berryman continued in horror with the role of the religious fanatic William Gluntz in (1981), directed by . He reprised his iconic character Pluto in the sequel The Hills Have Eyes Part II (1984). That year, he also played the Valet in the made-for-TV horror Invitation to Hell. In 1985, Berryman took on the villainous Quecho in the Italian action-horror Cut and Run. He appeared as the science teacher Mr. Jordan in the sci-fi comedy . Berryman portrayed the biker Taffey Lewis in John Hughes' teen comedy Weird Science. He played the alien Chopper in the sci-fi comedy . In 1986, he was the hitman Jay Killion in the action thriller Armed Response. Berryman had an uncredited cameo as a Command Officer in IV: The Voyage Home. In 1987, he portrayed the barbarian warrior Isogur in The Barbarians. He played the alien Boggs in the sci-fi film (1988). In 1989, Berryman appeared uncredited as the Starfleet Academy Groundskeeper in V: The Final Frontier.

1990s

In the 1990s, Berryman focused on low-budget horror and sci-fi. He played Mr. Balzac, a sinister figure, in Evil Spirits (1990). That year, he was the Mortician in the horror film Haunting Fear. Berryman portrayed Arklon in the fantasy adventure Beastmaster 2: Through the Portal of Time (1991). He appeared as Ed, a supporting thug, in the sci-fi action film (1991). In 1994, Berryman played the villain Abobo in the martial arts adaptation .

2000s

Berryman's 2000s roles often featured him in horror ensembles. He portrayed the pimp Clevon in Rob Zombie's (2005). In 2006, he played the serial killer Rufus in the thriller . Berryman appeared as Leroy Calhoun, a trainer of hounds, in the 2007 revenge film The Brutal. In 2009, he was Dr. Bradlow in the horror . That year, he also played the director Philip Fawnborough Jr. in the slasher comedy .

2010s

The decade saw Berryman in independent horror projects. He portrayed Mr. Harker, a demonic entity, in Satan Hates You (2010). In 2011, he had a lead role as The Tenant in the The Tenant. Berryman appeared as , a party guest turned victim, in the horror comedy Among Friends (2013). In 2014, he played the Medic in the Army of the Damned. He was Dr. Shaw, a , in the 2017 horror anthology . That year, Berryman portrayed the Cadaver in . In 2019, he appeared as Gramps, a survivalist elder, in the comedy Shed of the Dead.

2020s

Berryman continued with genre films into the 2020s. He played Principal Lucas in the holiday horror It Came Upon a Midnight Clear (2020). In 2021, he portrayed Caretaker Robert Lockwood in the horror film The Mad Hatter. Berryman voiced the Plutonium Killer in the action film New York Ninja (2021). In 2022, he was Jed Bedford, a mysterious host, in the sci-fi horror Room 9. Recent releases include They Turned Us Into Killers (2024), where he plays Jed, a supporting antagonist, and The Forge Creek Recordings (2025), a horror film where he plays Otis Greves. Announced projects for 2025 include Shovelhead: The Movie, in which he portrays Ted, a key character. Upcoming projects as of 2025 include Violent Starr (post-production), in which he plays The Godmichael, and Ever After, as The Huntsman.

Television roles

Michael Berryman's television career primarily consists of guest appearances in genre series, where his distinctive appearance often cast him as monstrous, , or antagonistic characters. His early TV work included a notable role as the in the fantasy drama , appearing in the episode "The Devil and Jonathan Smith" (Season 2, Episode 5, aired October 15, 1986), where he portrayed a cunning tempter challenging the protagonists' morals. In 1988, Berryman made two sci-fi and comedy guest spots: he played Rick, a family friend with a quirky demeanor, in the sitcom ALF's episode "We Are Family" (Season 2, Episode 25, aired May 22, 1988), contributing to the show's humorous exploration of alien integration into human society. Later that year, he appeared as Captain Rixx, an alien Starfleet officer involved in a parasitic conspiracy, in Star Trek: The Next Generation's episode "Conspiracy" (Season 1, Episode 25, aired May 9, 1988). Berryman's horror credentials shone in the early with roles in and series. He portrayed The Creature, a Frankenstein-inspired monster, in She-Wolf of London's episode "Bride of the Wolfman" (Season 1, Episode 21, aired May 31, 1991), blending comedy and horror in a theater-set mystery. That same year, he played Rupert Van Helsing in Tales from the Crypt's "The Reluctant Vampire" (Season 3, Episode 7, aired July 10, 1991), a satirical take on bloodsucking where his character pursues a reluctant . Continuing in supernatural themes, Berryman guest-starred as Owen Jarvis, a stigmata-afflicted laborer targeted by a , in The X-Files' episode "Revelations" (Season 3, Episode 11, aired November 17, 1995), emphasizing themes of faith and divine signs in the show's mythology arc. In the late 1990s, he took on fantasy and family-oriented roles. Berryman appeared as King Penor II, a scheming , in two episodes of the animated-inspired Conan the Adventurer: "Antidote" (Season 1, Episode 20, aired November 7, 1998) and "Lethal Wizards" (Season 1, Episode 21, aired November 14, 1998). He also played the Hook Hand Man, a pirate-like figure in a Halloween mishap, in Honey, I Shrunk the Kids: The TV Show's "Honey, Let's Trick-or-Treat" (Season 2, Episode 4, aired October 25, 1998). Berryman's later television work returned to post-apocalyptic horror with a recurring role as , the enigmatic leader of the Zona safe zone, in 's Season 4 episodes "Warren's Dream" (Episode 5, aired October 13, 2017), "Escape from Zona" (Episode 6, aired October 20, 2017), and "The Black Rainbow" (Episode 7, aired October 27, 2017), where his character manipulated survivor dynamics in a zombie-ravaged world.

Audio and voice work

In addition to his extensive on-screen career, Michael Berryman has lent his distinctive voice to select audio projects, emphasizing horror and genre elements that align with his established . Berryman's notable voice acting debut came in the 2021 film New York Ninja, where he voiced the villainous Plutonium Killer, a superpowered in this rediscovered and redubbed 1984 action movie directed by . The project, which utilized new voice recordings to reconstruct the original footage after its audio was lost, showcased Berryman's gravelly in delivering lines for a character involved in sinister dealings within New York's . Expanding into serialized audio storytelling, Berryman starred in the 2025 podcast series The Temple of the Killer Tiger Monkeys, a genre-bending audio adapted from John Mitchell's 2019 . In this production by Cinedownloads, he portrays a key executive figure amid a of escaped demons clashing with an ancient Chinese warrior temple society. Co-starring horror veteran , the series blends supernatural horror, fantasy, and dark across multiple episodes, highlighting Berryman's in immersive sound design-driven episodes. Berryman has also contributed voiceovers to niche audio content tied to horror retrospectives, including readings and commentary in convention-adjacent projects, though these remain limited in scope compared to his visual media output.

References

  1. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/7073-michael-berryman?language=en-US
  2. https://fancons.com/guests/bio/3016/michael-berryman
  3. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0077720/
  4. https://www.fandango.com/people/michael-berryman-54969/biography
  5. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/michael_berryman
  6. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27192895/
  7. http://www.filmreference.com/film/54/Michael-Berryman.html
  8. https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/berryman-michael-1948
  9. https://wrkr.com/michael-berryman-on-being-a-reluctant-actor-and-being-on-set-with-brandon-lee/
  10. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/michael-berryman-44774.php
  11. https://moviesandmania.com/2013/03/12/michael-berryman-actor-article-and-interview/
  12. https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/76/hypohidrotic-ectodermal-dysplasia
  13. https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/hypohidrotic-ectodermal-dysplasia/
  14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1112/
  15. https://y105music.com/just-in-time-for-halloween-dont-miss-michael-berryman/
  16. https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/hypohidrotic-ectodermal-dysplasia/
  17. https://keyw.com/michael-berryman-says-nuclear-radiation-caused-his-strange-appearance-interview/
  18. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0077720/trivia/
  19. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077681/
  20. https://indiemacuser.com/2015/06/28/horror-month-interview-with-michael-berryman-the-hills-have-eyesdevils-rejects/
  21. https://www.screamhorrormag.com/michael-berryman-talks-hills-eyes/
  22. https://www.starburstmagazine.com/features/michael-berryman-the-hills-have-eyes/
  23. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0601589/
  24. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093189/
  25. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0504460/
  26. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0716893/
  27. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0751191/
  28. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0077720/otherworks/
  29. https://www.amazon.com/Its-all-good-Michael-Berryman/dp/B0BSJD9XQB
  30. https://weirdbones.co.uk/in-conversation-with-michael-berryman/
  31. https://www.facebook.com/sally.steele.94/videos/the-most-fascinating-3-minute-interview-i-have-ever-done-michael-berryman-explai/1468572221024493/
  32. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BSRGHYTK/about
  33. https://gojimmygo.net/2012/03/08/a-conversation-with-michael-berryman/
  34. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0077720/awards/
  35. https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0001545/2007/1/
  36. http://www.i-mockery.com/minimocks/eyegore-horror-nights/
  37. https://gruesomemagazine.com/2022/10/30/nychff-to-honor-michael-berryman-for-his-contributions-to-the-genre/
  38. https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0003775/2018/1/
  39. https://mediamikes.com/2010/04/interview-with-michael-berryman/
  40. https://horrorrealmcon.com/?p=669
  41. https://www.otherworldlyculture.com/horror-realm-2025-panel-michael-berryman/
  42. https://fancons.com/events/info/26486/frightmare-in-the-falls-2025
  43. https://frightmareinthefalls.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Frightmare-2025-Program.pdf
  44. https://londonfilmandcomiccon.com/guest/michael-berryman/
  45. https://fancons.com/events/info/22861/gathering-of-the-ghouls-2024
  46. https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/uncategorized/2024-gathering-of-the-ghouls-guide-tickets-artists-and-more-19844633/
  47. https://www.horrorpalace.com/michael-berryman-creepy-character/
  48. https://www.rostercon.com/en/people/michael-berryman-en
  49. https://absolutehorror.fandom.com/wiki/Michael_Berryman/Filmography
  50. https://www.facebook.com/groups/312924925565944/posts/2739451649579914/
  51. https://www.flickchart.com/charts.aspx?actor=michael%2Bberryman&decade=1980
  52. https://www.facebook.com/groups/809698062388699/posts/27063550456576768/
  53. https://watch.plex.tv/person/michael-berryman
  54. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/7073-michael-berryman
  55. https://tv.apple.com/us/person/michael-berryman/umc.cpc.653gas8gzxzb42oibdgscpix
  56. https://www.flickchart.com/charts.aspx?actor=michael%2Bberryman&perpage=10
  57. https://www.letterboxd.com/actor/michael-berryman/
  58. https://www.fandango.com/people/michael-berryman-54969
  59. https://horror.fandom.com/wiki/Michael_Berryman
  60. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12813706/
  61. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0699263/
  62. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0545485/
  63. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0604596/
  64. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15358226/
  65. https://bloody-disgusting.com/podcasts/3857843/doug-bradley-michael-berryman-open-a-door-to-hell-with-the-temple-of-the-killer-tiger-monkeys-podcast/
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