Art the Clown has stealthily become a horror legend on screen, and the actor portraying him enjoys scaring people off-screen as well.

David Howard Thornton, who plays Art in the “Terrifier” series, often attends fan conventions dressed as the character. He recalls a particularly memorable elevator ride with a large security guard who was terrified of clowns. “He was trying to press himself into the wall,” Thornton recounts. “As we went down, I slowly brought the horn closer to his face, waiting for the doors to open. When they finally did, I honked it, and he screamed like a little girl.”

In “Terrifier 3,” which features a Christmas theme, Art the demonic clown takes on his next target, Sienna Shaw (portrayed by Lauren LaVera), while dressed as Santa. Despite his gruesome deeds − including a scene that portrays a college guy getting a chainsaw colonoscopy − there’s a dark humor to Art, especially when he’s seen doing the dishes after a murder.

“He’s thoughtful,” Thornton jokes.

Writer and director Damien Leone’s “Terrifier” films are infamous for causing walkouts and nausea, yet Art has gained a fan base beyond horror, with merchandise like Funko Pop figures, themed popcorn buckets, and Halloween decor featuring his frightening grin.

“It’s amazing to see Art become such a part of popular culture,” Thornton says. “We never thought this would happen when we started filming the first (‘Terrifier’) back in 2015. We were just a small indie film wondering if anyone would actually watch it.”

‘Terrifier 3’ actor hails from Alabama, has an inspiring origin story

When he transforms into Art the Clown, Thornton exudes a menacing energy. However, in reality, he is a warm-hearted Southern gentleman who adores comic books, Stephen King novels, and Legos.

Hailing from Huntsville, Alabama, Thornton, 44, got his start in theater through church activities. After facing bullying in middle school, he was encouraged by his mother to try out for a school production of “Mickey’s Christmas Carol.” “Playing Mickey introduced me to my passion for acting, especially comedic acting. I started improvising during mistakes on stage, which led to genuine laughter from the audience for the first time,” Thornton explains. “People were finally laughing with me and not at me.”

While he was studying elementary education at the University of Montevallo in Alabama, his mother lost her battle with cancer, an experience that drastically changed his perspective. “That made me realize how short life is,” Thornton remembers. “It was our last talk that inspired me to pursue my true passion.”

Following his graduation in 2006, Thornton relocated to New York. He worked as a waiter, took on various TV roles (including a hospital orderly on Fox’s “Gotham” and a café customer on CBS’s “Elementary”), and toured with the musical “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” He reflects, “‘Terrifier’ transformed my life. Despite the challenges, I wouldn’t alter anything, as those experiences led me right where I am today.”

Art the Clown is influenced by silent film actors and ‘great horror villains’

Thornton is not the first to portray Art the Clown; Mike Giannelli was the original in the 2013 anthology “All Hallows’ Eve.” Giannelli declined to reprise the role for 2016’s “Terrifier,” prompting Leone to hold open auditions. Thornton impressed the director with his physical performance, enthusiastically mimicking a gleeful decapitation. “His playful, theatrical mannerisms reminded me of Jim Carrey,” Leone states. “It was clear he was born to take on this role.”

Art’s character has matured since those early portrayals, with Thornton developing a strong partnership with Leone, who used to apply his makeup while they chatted about movies with soft rock and ’80s music in the background. Thornton, who honed his physical comedy in children’s productions, channels his admiration for legends like Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Andy Serkis, merging those influences with the depth of classic horror antagonists. “Art’s become bolder and more arrogant over time, and I’ve enjoyed the process of deepening his character while amplifying his malevolence,” Thornton notes.

For Thornton, portraying Art is also a “fantastic way to unwind,” as he takes pleasure in those moments when he is encouraged to “go full out” in his performance.

Thornton mentions, “I guess this is my therapy. Art therapy, if you will.” People have commented on his intense performances, suggesting he channels a lot of pent-up emotion.

David Howard Thornton aspires to interpret the Joker

Looking ahead, Thornton is set to continue with a new project, “Terrifier 4.” He has a strong desire to eventually portray the Joker. He expresses that while many actors have taken on this iconic villain, he aims to present the character as depicted in the comic books, which is his personal favorite. He hopes that James Gunn from DC Studios takes an interest as well, given Gunn’s appreciation for authentic source material in filmmaking.

Thornton is relishing his time as Art the Clown, taking pictures with fans while dressed as the character at conventions. Sometimes, he is mistaken for merely a talented cosplayer rather than the authentic portrayal. Art the Clown has become a notable figure associated with Halloween, and Thornton finds it amusing that Art-themed slippers are now available, reminiscent of his childhood when he would see an abundance of Freddy Krueger merchandise during summer at Shoe Carnival.

“It feels great to think that Art could be representing a new generation in a similar way that Freddy Krueger did for mine,” Thornton shares. “I truly appreciate that.”