Today, when science fiction and fantasy fans mention the name Jeffrey Combs, they almost certainly think of the Star Trek universe. In that world, Combs is an alien with a thousand faces, having starred in multiple roles throughout the franchise, with seemingly no end. And yet, before all of that, back on October 18, 1985, Combs was the lead in a fantastic, and enduringly funny horror movie called Re-Animator, which, unlike his various Trek appearances that would later define his career, completely showed his unique face, and put him not as a supporting character, but the undeniable star.
While much can be said as to why Re-Animator remains a not-quite-kitsch classic horror flick, the simple truth of the film is that it could not work with any other actor in the lead role. Combs was born to play this part, and by starring in Re-Animator, he brought his unsettling and hilarious talents to the entire world.
