Once in a while, a celeb moves to the bay area and boosts the film/theater scene by making appearances and supporting locally based productions. It doesn't happen often, but when it does, people take notice.
Such is the case with '80s teen dream Brooke McCarter, who has kept a low profile with his mom and daughter in the sleepy suburbs of New Tampa for past few years. The 48-year-old star of iconic adolescent flicks Lost Boys and Thrashin' appears in the final weekend of the campy gore fest Splatter Theater at Silver Meteor Gallery in Ybor City and hosts a drum circle night at Hyde Park's Mangroves.
Though he has been under the radar of mainstream showbiz, McCarter has remained active in the pulp horror scene and behind the scenes of the entertainment industry. Past stints include guest roles on TV shows and interviewing"Where Are They Now?" celebs like Pee-Wee Herman for VH1. His diverse background includes drumming and competitive racquetball.
McCarter stopped by the CL Studio to share his latest exploits, filling is in on what he's had going on since his career-defining stint as Paul the poofy-haired teenage vampire. He discusses recent projects, such as his work with GTomMac (Gerard McMann, of "Cry Littler Sister" fame). McCarter played drums with the band for several performances of the famed tune from on The Lost Boys soundtrack. In 2009, he worked with famed cult-horror director Herschell Gordon Lewis on The Uh Oh Show and he has two films in pre-production, along with reality TV-related projects.
Click on the play button to hear our chat, and stay tuned for the "Oops, I almost forgot" portion that includes tidbits on the famous bathtub and railroad track scenes in Lost Boys and McCarter's experience with pro skaters — and a famous SoCal rock band — in Thrashin'.
This article appears in Jun 16-22, 2011.