Art the Clown has become a chilling icon in horror cinema, silently terrifying audiences with his sadistic antics. With his eerie makeup and mini top hat, David Howard Thornton, the actor behind the character, fully embraces the opportunity to frighten fans both on and off the screen.
David Howard Thornton shares his unique experiences
Thornton often attends fan conventions dressed as Art and shares hilarious anecdotes about scaring unsuspecting individuals. One memorable encounter involved a burly security guard with a severe fear of clowns, demonstrating how Thornton’s portrayal of Art resonates even in real life.
Terrifier 3’s Christmas theme
In “Terrifier 3,” Art returns with a holiday twist, donning a Santa suit as he stalks heroine Sienna Shaw, played by Lauren LaVera. Despite the gruesome nature of his actions, there’s a surprising humor to Art, evident in scenes where he humorously does the dishes after committing heinous acts.
Growing up in Huntsville, Alabama, Thornton’s love for acting blossomed in theater at his parents’ church. Despite facing bullying, a school production ignited his passion for comedy and performance. After losing his mother to cancer, he decided to pursue acting full-time, moving to New York in 2006 and eventually landing his breakout role in “Terrifier.”
Initially portrayed by Mike Giannelli, Thornton was cast as Art after impressing director Damien Leone during auditions with his unique physicality and theatrical mannerisms. Thornton’s approach to Art has grown more confident, as he explores the character’s darker side while also infusing elements of physical comedy reminiscent of legends like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton.
Thornton relishes his role as Art and enjoys connecting with fans at conventions, where he has become a modern symbol of Halloween. He sees Art as potentially becoming the next Freddy Krueger for a new generation, a testament to the character’s enduring appeal.