As Big Gay Horror Fan browses through the constant internet updates of friends and (more often than not) complete strangers’ successes and seemingly upwardly personal advances, he often wonders why he feels so out of rhythm with everyone else.

Of course, this lament of otherness is pretty common for all of us and a poignant reminder of why the passing this week of two genre icons is so important to celluloid worshipping freaks everywhere.

Susan Tyrrell (who died on June 16th, 2012 at the age of 67) and Richard Lynch (who died on June 19th at the age of 72) were of ‘the extraordinary’. Filled with unique energy and undoubted magnetism, these two were definitely not members of the Hollywood beautiful set. Hence, their quirky roles in multiple genre films truly appealed to outsiders everywhere.

Just the thought of the white glare in Lynch’s eyes can still send the fright rate on my pulse line racing. But, the subtle art of his talent, also, allowed him to find the compassion even within a role like Art, a demented weekend killer, in the 1974 shocker Open Season.

Tyrrell, meanwhile, gave every fiber of her DNA to such roles as a crazed aunt in 1983’s delirious, gay themed Night Warning, an inquisitive reporter in 1987’s The Offspring (AKA From a Whisper to a Scream) and as an outrageously costumed bartender/musician in 1990’s Rockula.

It almost seems unfortunate that despite their grand valley of unusual credits (Tyrrell: The Forbidden Zone, the Angel series, Cry Baby; Lynch: Bad Dreams, Necronomican: Book of the Dead, Halloween (2007), the upcoming Lords of Salem) that I can find no evidence of them having worked together. Both were a part of the New York theatre set, each marking stage appearances with Al Pacino within a year of each other in the 70’s. Not an unexpected discovery, considering the range of their work.

So, take a walk across the boards one last time and celebrate two very original and compelling voices. Ones that will never be silenced as their totally essential, often goofy (Alligator 2: The Mutation or The Demolitionist anyone?) work lives on.

Sayonara, my other worldly ones!

And until next time – Sweet love and pink Grue,

Big Gay Horror Fan!