Bobby Pickett
Biography
Bobby Pickett, an American comedian and singer-songwriter, was born in Somerville, Massachusetts, and grew up watching horror films because his father managed a local movie theater. He first performed as a vocalist with the swing band Darren Bailes and the Wolf Eaters, where he did a Boris Karloff style monologue. In 1962 he co-wrote Monster Mash with Leonard Capizzi, a spoof of dance crazes that included his impersonations of Karloff and Bela Lugosi. After major labels turned it down, Gary S. Paxton issued the single, and it spent two weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 that October and later was certified gold in 1973. Pickett kept recording monster themed parodies and appeared in films such as Lobster Man from Mars (1990). He also wrote stage musicals with Sheldon Allman, narrated Spookley the Square Pumpkin in 2004, and published an autobiography in 2005. He died in 2007.
69years old at death
- Born Somerville
- Died Los Angeles
- Star sign: AquariusThe sign runs January 20 to February 18
- Also credited as Robert George Pickett
Movie Career
- Films
- 3
- Career span
- 7 years1983 to 1990
Every film, newest first
- 1990Lobster Man from MarsIMDb rating 5.3
- 1987Sister, SisterIMDb rating 5.5
- 1983Strange InvadersIMDb rating 5.4
Genres
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Behind the camera
In May 1962, Pickett and Leonard Capizzi co-wrote "Monster Mash." The song spoofed dance crazes popular then, and the Twist and the Mashed Potato gave it its title.
Big break
After every major record label declined the song, Gary S. Paxton heard it and then agreed to produce and engineer it. Bobby Pickett's song was turned down by all the major labels.
Getting ready for a role
Pickett did impersonations of horror veterans Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi on the song. Lugosi's part was the line asking whatever happened to his Transylvania Twist.
First role
Pickett started out as a singer with Darren Bailes and the Wolf Eaters, a swing band from his area. At one show he gave a monologue doing Boris Karloff's style, an impression he later used.
Behind the camera
In 1967, Pickett collaborated with Sheldon Allman, a television writer, on the musical I'm Sorry the Bridge Is Out, You'll Have to Spend the Night. Local theaters around the United States have staged it.
Behind the camera
Pickett and Ned Ormand and R.B. Chris Christensen formed Nico Records in 1962, and their first release was an instrumental acquired from the Daco label.
Bobby Pickett movies on Netflix
Worked with
Bobby Pickett shares two films with Bill Condon, and one with each of the others. Pick a number on the chart or a name in the list to see the films they share.
Films together
Bill Condon's page
Wallace Shawn's page
Jennifer Jason Leigh's page
Tony Curtis's page
Michael Lerner's page
Charles Lane's page
Michael LaughlinDirector, 1 film, 1983
All films by Michael Laughlin
All films by Stanley Sheff
Online
Official profiles and reference pages.