After the release of Monster: The Ed Gein Story on Netflix, fans of the streaming service have been going back to watch some classic horror movies that took inspiration from the infamous killer. One such film is Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, which was hailed as a masterpiece in the horror genre and propelled actor Anthony Perkins to stardom.
Perkins, known for his portrayal of Norman Bates in Psycho, left a lasting legacy in Hollywood. His son, Oz Perkins, who is also an actor and director, continues the family’s involvement in the entertainment industry.
Despite his success, Anthony Perkins faced personal struggles, with his son later referring to his iconic role in Psycho as a “curse.” The Netflix series suggests that Ed Gein, the real-life inspiration behind Psycho, shared eerie similarities with Norman Bates in his relationship with his mother.
Before his role in Psycho, Anthony Perkins earned acclaim for his performance in Friendly Persuasion, receiving an Academy Award nomination. However, the success of Psycho led to him being typecast, prompting a move to France to explore new opportunities in European cinema.
Returning to Hollywood in 1968, Perkins starred in various acclaimed films, including Catch-22 and Murder on the Orient Express. Despite his professional achievements, Perkins faced challenges due to societal attitudes towards his sexuality, which he had to conceal during his Hollywood career.
Perkins married actress Berry Berenson in 1973, and they starred together in several films. Tragically, Perkins passed away due to AIDS-related pneumonia in 1992, while Berenson died in the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center.
Anthony Perkins is survived by his two sons, Oz and Elvis. Oz, following in his father’s footsteps, has pursued a career in acting and directing, gaining recognition for his work in horror films. Elvis, on the other hand, is a folk-rock musician who released his debut album, Ash Wednesday, in 2007.
The legacy of Anthony Perkins continues through his sons, with Oz making a name for himself in the film industry as a director. The impact of his iconic role in Psycho and the challenges he faced as a Hollywood actor remain part of his enduring story.
“Monster: The Ed Gein Story” is now available for streaming on Netflix.
