“I remember one morning, about 2 or 3 o’clock in the morning, we were waiting for a lighting re-set and she led us in a version of A Whole New World from Aladdin. We all sang together!!” – Eliska Hahn on Jamie Lee Curtis’ on set behavior on Halloween Kills. 

I’ve known people, like my dear friend Joey Kissling, who have burned so hot and fast that their deaths at an incredibly young age seem almost preordained. You can’t imagine them coasting into their sixties and seventies, grandchildren gathered around their knees. More often though, an unexpected passing can simply send you reeling. The loss of a vibrant life just seems completely unimaginable. 

Such is the case with actress Eliska Hahn. Full of love and joy, it seemed like she would be spreading her expansive energy throughout the universe for decades to come. Unfortunately, Hahn, best known as Nova in the cult film Strangest Dreams: Invasion of the Space Preachers, died this past August, sending shock waves throughout the many creative communities that she was a vital part of.

Thankfully, after our first meeting in the spring of 2014, we stayed in touch online and in the fall of 2021, she was a guest on Dagger Cast, a podcast I was co-hosting. Sharing tales about working on Halloween Kills, where she was one of the featured hospital rioters, she was warm and knowledgeable, immersed in the legacy of John Carpenter’s series. It was definitely my favorite episode that we recorded and rewatching recently, in a heartfelt tribute to her, I can see why. She is warm and funny – eternally engaging. 

Thus, I’ve reposted the link here. Anyone wanting smart, behind-the-scenes tales of David Gordon Green’s take on Michael Myers or fans of Hahn wanting to bask in her magic one last time will definitely find much to love here.

“He was the sexiest man. I stood beside him. All that man had on was a pair of boxer shorts and hospital gown… and oh, my…he’s got some charisma! I mean when all you’ve got going on are socks, boxers, a hospital gown and a patch on your neck…and you still got a vibe going?!?” – Eliska Hahn on filming with Will Patton during Halloween Kills

Rest in Peace, my friend — 

Eliska Hahn – 1966 – 2026.