One of the wonderful things about living in Pittsburgh is the fact that it is so horror-oriented. (A fascination second to Steeler mania, of course.)

Just your average zombie-lovin' Pittsburghers.

Because of this town’s connection to George Romero’s films, there are many zombie-related events. Many people who appeared on-screen in Romero’s movies still live in the region.

And I had a memorable encounter with one of them!

Former local TV anchor Charles Craig, who appears as a newscaster in the original Night of the Living Dead, met horror fans last year at the Horror Realm convention. (That’s where the above photo was taken.) He was very pleased to talk to fans, and amiable with everyone. You can imagine how thrilled I was to be able to to talk with him and other cast members of the classic movie.

Entrance to the cemetery where the opening to NOTLD was shot.

But I was not prepared for just HOW easy-going and good-humored Mr. Craig was. After answering my questions, he asked about my interests, and I told him about the blog I have on Blogger.  I took his picture, and I asked to be allowed to record him saying “Beware the drunken severed head,” or something similar. Instead, he offered to then and there write a promo for the blog! He wrote it up without telling me what he would say, but surprised with a ghoulishly fun bit of copy professionally performed. I could have died happy that day, having this generous video gift from him.

And THIS is the promo:

Knock me down and eat my brains,* THAT’s a neat bit of whimsical weirdness!

* Talk about a starvation diet!