Jonathan Haze, best known as Seymour in ‘The Little Shop of Horrors,’ dies at 95
Haze starred in Roger Corman’s cult classic dark comedy about a man-eating plant.
Jonathan Haze, an actor recognized for his portrayal of Seymour Krelborn in the original “Little Shop of Horrors,” has passed away at the age of 95, as reported by various sources.
Haze died at his home in Los Angeles on Saturday. His daughter Rebecca confirmed his passing to The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline, though no specific cause of death has been disclosed.
At the time of initial reports, there were no comments available from Haze’s representatives.
Born Jack Schachter in April 1929, Haze made his film debut at 25 in the 1954 horror comedy “Monster from the Ocean Floor.”
After appearing in smaller parts in “The Fast and the Furious” and “East of Eden,” Haze secured the role of Billy Candy in Roger Corman’s 1955 Western “Five Guns West,” marking the beginning of a successful collaboration between him and Corman, during which he appeared in nearly 20 films.
Among Haze and Corman’s most notable projects is the 1960 film “The Little Shop of Horrors.” Haze’s character Krelborn, a worker at a struggling flower shop, becomes entangled in a deadly scheme when the peculiar plant he nurtures demands blood to thrive.
The film gained a cult following over time, leading to several adaptations. An off-Broadway rock musical created by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman premiered in 1982, followed by a film adaptation directed by Frank Oz, featuring Rick Moranis, in 1986.
A children’s animated series inspired by the film, called “Little Shop,” aired for one season on Fox Kids in 1991.
Haze worked with Corman once again in the 1963 horror film “The Terror,” co-directed by Francis Ford Coppola, which also starred his “Little Shop” co-star Nicholson.
Haze’s last role was in the mystery film “Nobody Smiling,” released in 2010.