Eileen Dietz, film and TV star, described herself as a ‘skinny, little, flat chested buck-toothed child from Queens New York who had a dream to be an actor.’ Fast forward to the present day and we can see the dream became a reality with over a hundred plus films and numerous theatre and TV shows to her credit.
At the age of 12 she started studying acting at the Neighbourhood Playhouse, making her television debut in 1963 in a small guest role on The Doctors, and a recurring role in the American soap opera Love of Life. A number of theatre productions in the 60’s and early 70’s led to the life changing invitation to screen test for the iconic horror movie The Exorcist, where she was cast as the demon Pazuzu, and doubled as the possessed child, Regan in scenes considered too extreme for a small child to play.
Although not credited for her role in the film, it acted as a springboard for a career spanning several decades in films, theatre and television, as an actor and as a producer of indie films in her chosen genre of horror movies, with several new projects in the pipeline.
Even at the age of eighty, Eileen shows no sign of slowing down with promotional work in the states and the UK. She flew in from Los Angeles to attend the CliffeCon event held at the Oakleaf Sports Centre on the Saturday and planned to fly back to Los Angeles the following day, but, when she was invited to be our guest, she was more than happy to change her travel arrangements in order to come on the show, even though it meant a 5.30am start the following day.
While she was in the studio, Eileen was more than happy to pose for some photographs and sign a special poster for the studio, designed especially for the occasion by our good friend Jackie McFadden who dressed up for the show as a nun to get into the spirit of things. She also signed a copy of her book; Exorcising My Demons; An Actress’ Journey to The Exorcist and Beyond, details of which can be found on Eileen Dietz Facebook page.
A great guest and a memorable experience for Andy and myself.
Phill & Andy
Around Town, Aycliffe Radio.