played Seymour

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Jonathan Haze, Seymour from The Little Shop of Horrors, Dies at 95: A Tribute to a Hollywood Icon

Jonathan Haze, best known for his role as Seymour Krelborn in the 1960 cult classic The Little Shop of Horrors, has passed away at the age of 95, according to recent reports. His death marks the end of a chapter in Hollywood history, as Haze’s role in Little Shop became emblematic of the quirky, offbeat charm of mid-century American film. While Haze’s career spanned decades, it was his portrayal of Seymour, the bumbling florist with big dreams and even bigger problems, that would forever cement his place in film history.

Born in 1929 in Los Angeles, California, Jonathan Haze had a career that touched upon several facets of the entertainment industry—spanning television, film, and theater—before he found his most iconic role. However, it was his work in The Little Shop of Horrors that garnered the most enduring recognition. In a film that blended horror, comedy, and musical elements, Haze’s Seymour was the everyman struggling against forces far bigger than himself. His portrayal became iconic in its own right, offering a unique take on the archetype of the put-upon protagonist who accidentally summons chaos.

A Career Rooted in Classic Hollywood played Seymour

Haze’s entry into the world of film came at a time when Hollywood was evolving. He began his career in the 1950s, a decade known for its transition from the post-World War II era to the more experimental and countercultural 1960s. Haze initially appeared in various B-movies, a staple of Hollywood’s more independent, low-budget cinema. His early work showed that he was willing to take on a range of quirky and unconventional roles, a trait that would serve him well in his later career.

His first significant break came in the form of The Little Shop of Horrors, directed by Roger Corman, one of the most influential filmmakers in Hollywood’s history. Corman, a prolific director known for his fast-paced, low-budget films, often worked with up-and-coming actors like Haze, offering them roles that they might not have found elsewhere. The film was shot in just two days and had a minuscule budget, but its off-kilter combination of horror, comedy, and musical elements helped it stand out as an unintentional masterpiece.

In The Little Shop of Horrors (1960), Haze played Seymour Krelborn, a mild-mannered and awkward floral shop worker who discovers an unusual plant, which he names Audrey II, after his crush, the beautiful Audrey. The plant, which turns out to be a carnivorous alien species, demands human blood to survive. Seymour’s descent into moral ambiguity as he sacrifices others to nourish the plant’s insatiable appetite is both darkly comedic and unsettling. His performance, earnest and endearing, provided a perfect foil to the absurdity of the plot, and his sympathetic portrayal of Seymour helped elevate the film beyond its budgetary constraints.

Despite the film’s initial lack of commercial success, it developed a fervent cult following over the years, gaining recognition as a camp classic. Haze’s role as Seymour became synonymous with the film, and his portrayal of the meek, naïve protagonist was widely appreciated by fans. His ability to balance the humor and horror in his performance contributed to the film’s lasting charm.

A Legacy of Cult Status and Influence played Seymour

While The Little Shop of Horrors was the film that solidified Haze’s place in cinema history, it was far from the only role in his diverse career. Haze continued to act in a variety of films throughout the 1960s and beyond, often taking roles in exploitation films, horror flicks, and dramas. His willingness to embrace a variety of characters demonstrated his versatility as an actor, though none of his later roles would capture the same level of fame as Seymour Krelborn.

In the 1970s, Haze began shifting more towards television, appearing in episodic series such as The Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits, where his performances as guest stars often showcased his ability to inhabit quirky, offbeat roles. These series, which were hugely popular during their time and remain cult favorites today, found a place for Haze in the world of speculative fiction and horror, aligning with the themes he had explored in Little Shop.

In later years, Haze also gained recognition for his contributions to the world of voice acting, particularly in animated series, where his distinctive voice lent itself well to animated characters. His work as a voice actor further expanded his legacy and kept him relevant in the entertainment world well into his later years. Haze also made occasional appearances in independent films and worked in behind-the-scenes roles, including as a consultant on various film projects.

Though much of his later career saw him working in smaller, independent productions, Haze was often remembered and celebrated for his iconic turn as Seymour in The Little Shop of Horrors. The film was remade into a highly successful Broadway musical in the 1980s and later adapted into a 1986 feature film by Frank Oz, where actor Rick Moranis took on the role of Seymour. The success of the stage musical and film adaptation helped to reintroduce Haze’s performance to a new generation of fans, ensuring that his portrayal of Seymour Krelborn remained a touchstone for lovers of cult cinema.

The Enduring Appeal of Seymour Krelborn

What made Haze’s portrayal of Seymour Krelborn so memorable was the character’s relatability. Seymour was not a traditional hero, nor was he a villain. He was a regular guy, struggling with self-esteem issues, his infatuation with Audrey, and his desperate attempts to better his life. His relationship with Audrey II, the voracious, man-eating plant, served as a metaphor for the ways people often make compromises in the pursuit of success—sometimes to their own moral detriment.

The tragedy of Seymour Krelborn is that his desire for something better—love, success, a better life—ultimately leads to his downfall. This theme of moral struggle, though exaggerated by the horror elements of the story, resonated with audiences, making Seymour a character that fans

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