When assembling a cast for a production, there’s always a possibility that one of the members may engage in inappropriate behavior or have a questionable past that could bring embarrassment to the entire team. For instance, an actor might post a vague message urging the public to vote, which could provoke backlash if their intentions are unclear. Such situations can lead to uncomfortable scrutiny. In a more extreme scenario, an actor could even commit a violent crime, creating a scandal that overshadows the project.
5 Felon
In recent news, Val Kilmer passed away this month, prompting a revisit of some of his lesser-known films, including the 2008 drama, “Felon.” In this movie, Kilmer portrays a cellmate to the main character, played by Stephen Dorff, who finds himself in prison for unintentionally killing a burglar. Notably, during a crucial scene, viewers are introduced to an unnamed character played by Clifton Bloomfield, who has a disturbing history. Before the film was made, Bloomfield had committed heinous acts, including strangling a man and an elderly woman in separate incidents. While Dorff’s character’s actions were accidental, Bloomfield’s past is anything but.
Interestingly, despite the film’s prison setting, Bloomfield was not an actual inmate. He secured his role by falsely claiming prior experience as an extra on “Breaking Bad,” and none of the filmmakers were aware of his criminal background. After completing the film, Bloomfield went on to commit further violent crimes, resulting in his conviction as a serial killer and a sentence of five life terms.
The Exorcist
The next film on the list highlights another intriguing case where an individual with a dark background unwittingly appeared in a production. “The Exorcist,” directed by William Friedkin, featured real medical personnel from NYU’s Tisch Hospital, where the film’s fake angiogram scene was shot. Among those cast was radiographer Paul Bateson, who later became infamous for committing murder. In 1977, four years post-release of the film, Bateson left a bar with a man named Addison Verrill, subsequently murdering him in a brutal attack involving a frying pan and a knife.
Bateson’s crime came to light when he was identified through a tip-off to the media, leading to a police investigation. He was eventually sentenced to 24 years in prison. Prosecutors attempted to link him to several other murders of gay men, but evidence was lacking, leaving his notoriety confined to this singular, violent act.
Jeopardy!
With the multitude of contestants who have graced the stage of “Jeopardy!”, it wouldn’t be surprising to discover that some may have darker pasts. In fact, the potential for a future murderer to appear on the show seems statistically plausible. Paul Curry, who won the game twice in 1989 and earned $24,000, later committed a shocking crime. Despite seemingly being a successful contestant, he murdered his wife, Linda, in 1994 to collect on her life insurance policy worth $1 million. This act was motivated by the financial burden of supporting two secret families from prior marriages. It took two decades for authorities to finally convict him for the crime, highlighting the complexities of such cases.
The 40-Year-Old Virgin
In the 2005 film “The 40-Year-Old Virgin,” one of the actors, Shelley Malil, later gained notoriety for violent behavior that shocked audiences. In August 2008, Malil attacked his girlfriend with brutal force, stabbing her 23 times with a knife and a broken wine bottle, and even attempting to smother her with a pillow. While he claimed intoxication as a defense, the severity of his actions painted a grim picture of relationship dynamics.
Canal Livre
For those unfamiliar, “Canal Livre” was a notable Brazilian news show that aired from 1996 to 2008, known for its investigative journalism style. The program often reported on crimes as they unfolded, leading to a reputation for arriving at crime scenes before law enforcement. However, the most shocking revelation came when the show’s host, Wallace Souza, faced accusations of orchestrating the very murders he reported on. Authorities linked him to at least five murders, prompting a raid at his home where illegal weapons were found. Despite the serious nature of the accusations, Souza initially evaded arrest due to his position as a state legislator, which granted him immunity. However, after being expelled from the assembly, he was arrested but sadly passed away in the hospital before facing trial, leaving many questions unanswered regarding his alleged crimes.
