Vampira
From The Grindhouse Cinema Database
Vampira was a horror hostess played by Maila Nurmi (originally Syrjäniemi) (December 11, 1922 Gloucester, Massachusetts - January 10, 2008, Los Angeles, California). She is best remembered as the original "glamour ghoul" and for her appearance in Ed Wood, Jr.'s Plan 9 From Outer Space. She was inducted into the Horror Host Hall of Fame in 2011. - Written by JKData
Fun Facts
- The 1970s/1980s New Jersey hardcore punk band The Misfits recorded a tribute to her titled "Vampira" on their 1982 album Walk Among Us. The lyrics mention "Graverobbers from outer space," which was the original title for Plan 9 From Outer Space. The band's own record label was called Plan 9 Records.
- She was portrayed by Lisa Marie in Tim Burton's Ed Wood.
- In 1981, the producers of Fright Night wanted to revive the show and asked Vampira to come back. She hosted for a bit but quit after they wouldn't hire black actress Lola Falana to play Vampira. This led to the producers bringing in Cassandra Peterson and turning her into Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. Vampira unsuccessfully sued Elvira for stealing her act.
JKData is from Tampa, FL, USA. He first became aware of alternative cinema by watching Elvira's presentation of Attack of the Killer Tomatoes! His favorites include The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Plan 9 From Outer Space, Pink Flamingos, Coffy and Shaft. He can be found at The George "The Animal" Steele Fan Page!
