Exclusive Portrait: Michael Berryman of Original ‘The Hills Have Eyes’

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CHICAGO – It is a horror movie image that is immediately recognizable. Michael Berryman portrayed “Pluto” in Wes Craven’s renown 1977 film, “The Hills Have Eyes,” and even the poster image evokes a memory of his distinctive look. Berryman made an appearance last November at the Days of the Dead Horror Convention in Chicagoland.

Part of Berryman’s unique look is due to rare genetic disorder he was born with called Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia, which prevents the development of fingernails, teeth and sweat glands. He got his start in the movies in 1975 with “Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze” and “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” Two years later he appeared in Craven’s “The Hills Have Eyes” and solidified his niche in cinema history. Over the years, he has appeared in “The Hills Have Eyes Part II” (1984), “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home” (1986), “Evil Spirits” (1990), “Spy Hard” (1996) and “The Devil’s Rejects” (2005). Since 2005, Berryman has had roles in an astounding 27 film projects, including eight films scheduled for 2013 release.

Photographer Joe Arce captured this Exclusive Portrait of Michael Berryman during an appearance in November of 2012, at the Days of the Dead Horror Convention in Schaumburg, Illinois.

Michael Berryman at the Days of the Dead Convention, November of 2012 Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

By PATRICK McDONALD Senior Staff Writer HollywoodChicago.com pat@hollywoodchicago.com