As I stepped into the crowded convention hall pulsating with the energy of horror aficionados, my anticipation was heightened as the room was filled with vendors, photo ops, and fellow horror fans. My husband Paul and I roamed from aisle to aisle taking our time to appreciate each booth’s offerings. After navigating through the maze of horror-themed booths and eerie decorations, I found myself in front of Felissa Rose’s autograph table in the very last row. There she was, a presence both captivating and warm, surrounded by stills from her iconic role as Angela in Sleepaway Camp. I did not know that she was going to be present at CreepIE Con. It was a last minute idea to check out this con and I did not see her name listed in the information packet or in previous social media/press about the convention so I was definitely shocked to see her sitting there. Next to her the whole time was her good friend and fellow actor, David Sheridan, known for playing Special Officer Doofy in Scary Movie.
Approaching the table, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness; Felissa, however, instantly put me at ease. Her charisma was infectious, and her love for the horror community was evident in the way she engaged with fans. I was wearing a recently gifted t-shirt from my husband that had Felissa Rose in her “off with your head” pose from retailer Terror Threads. The first thing Felissa said with a smile was, “Wow, look at that shirt, it looks familiar”. She asked to take a picture with me and I introduced myself to her. She also was friendly and asked what my husband’s name was. She took some selfies as well with her camera. I can barely remember what we chatted about as I was a bit star struck but she was very attentive and didn’t rush me. After we chatted, Felissa told me she wanted to give me a gift. She signed a photo for me and when I tried to pay, she said no, this is a gift. She also signed a photo for Paul with the words, “Meet me at the waterfront after the social!” Felissa laughingly apologized to Paul for this. As big fans of Sleepaway Camp, we knew exactly what she meant by this reference. We continued to chat a bit more and then I noticed another fan show up and thanked her and said goodbye. Living in SoCal, I have had the opportunity both on purpose and on accident to run into celebrities and this is only the second time I can walk away thinking that this person was genuinely down to earth. If you ever get the chance to meet Felissa at a con, please do so. Everything that people say about her in the horror community is true, she’s down to earth, sweet, and just as appreciative of her fans as we are of her. She genuinely appreciated the fans who approached her, taking the time to connect on a personal level beyond the usual autograph routine.
While she is known for her role as Angela Baker in Sleepaway Camp, she’s also had many other iconic roles in the horror genre to include some of my favorites: Camp Dread, Return to Sleepaway Camp, and Victor Crowley. She has over 180 acting credits to her name on IMDB and numerous credits as a producer as well. She also co-hosts a podcast with Tiffany Shepis (Sharknado 2) and Kane Hodder (Hatchet) , called Casualty Friday, of which I am a regular listener and subscriber. They offer insight into their time in the industry both behind and off camera, interactions with fans, and their personal journeys into becoming horror icons. Felissa has spoken candidly about her love for the genre, its fans, and that she has no qualms with being known for someone that performs in the horror genre.
Leaving the autograph table, I felt a renewed appreciation for the horror genre and the talented individuals who bring its stories to life. Meeting Felissa Rose wasn’t just about acquiring a signature; it was an immersive experience that celebrated the shared passion for all things spooky and thrilling. As I walked away, clutching my signed picture, I couldn’t help but reflect on the magic that happens when fans and icons come together in the name of horror.
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