Once veteran actor Tony Todd stepped off the stage and into a the 1986 film Sleepwalk, it was only a matter of time before he slipped into our nightmares through Clive Barker’s terrifying Candyman and became one of the most recognizable icons of horror films worldwide. As William Bludworth in the Final Destination series, he shared with wide-eyed viewers his vast knowledge of death and offered up a few tips about how to cheat the Reaper himself. In the 1990 remake of Romero’s classic Night of the Living Dead, Tony came face to face with the shambling horde for the first time, awarding him first-hand knowledge and experience that would prove invaluable for the future. It is this knowledge and experience that makes him more than qualified for leadership in the Zombie Survival Crew. Tony’s versatility, charisma and quiet nature directly contrast his powerful presence, and one cannot help but wonder what lurks beneath the surface, or what hides behind the chilling, intelligent smile.
Towering over almost everybody at a statuesque 6 feet 5 inches, the imposing Tony Todd hails from our nation’s capital, and put in two years at the University of Connecticut before starting on a new path with a scholarship from the renowned Eugene O’Neill National Theatre Institute. Tony appeared in scores of theater performances with the Hartman Conservatory in Stamford, Connecticut and the Trinity Square Repertory Theatre Conservatory in Providence, Rhode Island. He also taught playwriting to high school students in the Hartford public school system. Tony has appeared in films, stage performances and TV series almost too numerous to mention, including Oliver Stone’s Academy Award-winning film Platoon, the title role in award-winning playwright August Wilson’s King Hedley II, and co-starring alongside Brandon Lee and Michael Wincott in the 1994 cult classic The Crow. On the smaller screen, we’ve seen Tony on Boston Public, NYPD Blue, Law & Order,Crossing Jordan, and The X-Files. He has had recurring roles in all three Star Trek franchises, episodes of CSI: Miami, and many other acclaimed television series.
Tony demonstrates the use of a baseball bat as a means of defense against the shambling horde.
Vampires, werewolves and aliens… oh my! From a very young age, First Lieutenant Jim Parrack’s admiration for screen legends Robert Duvall and James Dean was a sure sign of what was to come, but it may in fact have been his self-admitted fascination with vampires that started him on a path that was destined to lead him to ZSC leadership. Experience dealing with the undead is always a plus, but add to that solid weapons training (perhaps meant to battle aliens over Los Angeles), and you have exactly what ZSC recruiters look for when scoping out new members.
The handsome young man from Allen, Texas decided to put down the golf clubs (even though they work just fine for taking down a zombie) and pursue acting as a teenager. Jim first stepped onto the stage at Keith and Margo’s Murder Mystery Dinner Theater in Dallas, and not long after had moved to Los Angeles where he studied at The Stella Adler Academy and Playhouse West.
“I was obnoxiously into vampires. There are still a few folks who are certain I am one.”
Before landing a starring role as Hoyt Fortenberry in HBO’s hit series True Blood, Jim appeared in Battle: Los Angeles with Red Brigade 1st Lieutenant Neil Brown, Jr. He has also appeared in numerous television series, including Alcatraz, Supernatural, Criminal Minds, NCIS and Grey’s Anatomy to name just a few. Jim also wrote and directed the film Post, produced by his own film production company 120 Productions.
Jim is currently filming Black Dog, Red Dog alongside close friend James Franco and co-stars Whoopi Goldberg, Olivia Wilde and Chloe Sevigny. Be sure to also look for him in the upcoming films Child of God, and The Audition.
Recently, Jim took the “It Gets Better,” pledge in conjunction with The Trevor Project, a nationwide crisis intervention and suicide prevention network.
________________________________________________________________ So what have the other ZSC commanders been up to?
Whoever said nice guys always finish last clearly has never met Orange Brigade’s First Lieutenant David Della Rocco. Loyalty, generosity and compassion are words one might use to describe him. A winning smile and soft-spoken nature are enough to win over even the most critical… but one also cannot deny that a certain amount of mystery surrounds him, leading the imagination to fill in the rest.
David (aka “Rocco”) is an Italian-American comedian and classically trained actor. Hailing from Norwich, Connecticut, he currently resides in Los Angeles alongside many other ZSC commanders, further ensuring the safety of our Western shores in the dark days to come. Best known for his breakout role as the beloved Funny Man Rocco in the Boondock Saints series, David is a member of the Actor’s Studio, and also an accomplished stage veteran who has appeared in numerous performances, including Glengarry Glen Ross at the Third Street Theatre and Freedom Frogs at the Lee Strasberg Theatre. Rocco has also appeared in Jake’s Corner and the critically acclaimed documentary film Off the Boulevard.
"Every time we have a function and there’s fans around I just really, really enjoy it. I’ll sign autographs and take pictures until my arm falls off. We have really, really great fans and I love them all."
It is a little known fact that Rocco is also a master of disguise, a talent that longtime childhood friend Troy Duffy made use of in 1990’s cult hit The Boondock Saints. The role of the Funny Man was written specifically for him, but this opportunity also allowed him to form early connections with future ZSC Commanders Norman Reedus and Sean Patrick Flanery. Another small piece of trivia was revealed during his recent attendance at Blood on the Beach – his preference for the classic architecture of the standard door system over that of the modern convenience of the revolving door.
Look for David Della Rocco in the upcoming film The Black Dove. He will also be appearing at Texas Frightmare Weekend next month, as well as Wizard World events in Philadelphia and Chicago this summer.
With years of experience playing, directing and battling against any and all manner of all dead, undead or just mostly dead behind him, Light Blue Brigade’s First Lieutenant Ted Raimi already has the single most important weapon to survive the pending Z-pocalypse – expertise. Situated in an undisclosed location somewhere near Los Angeles alongside Commander Anthony Guajardo, Smith & Wesson in one hand and cattle prod in the other, Raimi brings that expertise to the front lines, and ensures that the western coast is well protected and prepared.
Ted Raimi first arrived on the screen in 1981, appearing in the now infamous and wonderfully nauseating Evil Dead, where he got an early taste (excuse me) for dealing with… well… evil dead. He went on to appear in many films, including Midnight Meat Train, Drag Me to Hell, and a small but memorable role alongside fellow First Lieutenant Sean Patrick Flanery in Masters of Horror: The Damned Thing. On the smaller screen, we’ve seen him in episodes of Supernatural, Code Monkeys, Legend of the Seeker, Xena: Warrior Princess, and Your Dungeon, My Dragon.
After very extensive investigations, this reporter has uncovered what may be an awkward and uncomfortable truth about First Lt Raimi’s true intentions. It seems he has in the past connected with the Zombie Rights Campaign, a fringe operation devoted to supporting the rights of the mindless creatures that may replace us at the top of the food chain in the very near future. It is this reporter’s opinion that such a group could only be a cover for something much more nefarious, which brings to light the possibility that LT. Raimi’s motives for accepting the role of ZSC leadership may not be what they seem. However, more extensive recon has failed to turn up any further evidence of questionable activities. For now, we will adopt a cautiously optimistic wait-and-watch stance, and trust in Our Fearless Leader’s decision to bring him in without question. He is Ted Raimi after all. When it comes right down to it, he’ll be right there with us on the second rung from the top of the food chain on Z-Day.
Be sure to keep an eye out for Mr. Raimi’s future endeavors, including Attack of the 50 Foot Cheerleader in 2012. In 2013 we’re expecting to see Mr. Raimi in Oz The Great and Powerful, a prequel to The Wizard of Oz which will (unfortunately) probably not have any zombie story lines. We’re also keeping a watchful eye on High Midnight, which is currently in production.
By reading this message, you have granted Purple Brigade’s First Lieutenant Anthony Michael Hall temporary control of your mind.
Brains or brawn? Which would you choose? In survival situations, brawn may often win. The importance in being able to physically survive unexpected encounters with the undead can’t be understated… but neither can the ability to think and take intelligent, decisive action.
While First Lt. Hall has not yet been tested against the true horror of the endless shambling horde, this Boston native is surely as well-equipped as any of us to not only just survive, but to stand firm with the other Commanders and loyalists when the time comes. Working from an undisclosed location, Anthony’s movements are unpredictable and undetectable to the always present but rarely seen Unidentified Government Agency (UGA), making him an invaluable asset to the more covert operations within the ZSC. But even the most covert of operatives must eventually resurface.
Anthony recently made an appearance at Monster Mania 21 in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, where he was temporarily detained by one such UGA while attempting to secure top secret documentation for an upcoming international operation. In what surely could have developed into a truly perilous situation, he remained calm, put those cerebral talents to good use and slipped free from the grip of danger to arrive unscathed and smiling at MM21.
Anthony Michael Hall is perhaps most well-known for his role as the beloved Brian Johnson in John Hughes’ The Breakfast Club. An original member of the infamous Brat Pack in the 1980’s, he has taken on several television roles in addition to films, most notably the successful television adaptation of Stephen King’s The Dead Zone. He has also recently appeared in the popular television series Warehouse 13 and Community, and worked on the films Sexy Evil Genius and Cottonwood. Our undercover intel operatives have reported that Anthony is currently filming Dead in Tombstone, starring opposite veteran actors Danny Trejo and Micky Rourke.
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Known to most for his starring roles in the television series Young Indiana Jones and runaway cult classic film Boondock Saints, Yellow Brigade’s first Lieutenant Sean Patrick Flanery brings to the table a wide variety of talents and experience in matters of survival; Actor, director, writer, martial artist, patriot, purveyor of simple honesty and common sense, and – perhaps most importantly – future presidential candidate. Despite his ongoing struggles with a powerful Reese’s addiction, Flanery is without a doubt the most suited for the daunting task of leadership, and defending our western shores and if and when it all starts to hit the fan.
Believe it or not, you are not entitled to anything. If you find yourself saying “I should have A, B, and C, because I’ve done X, Y, and Z” stop immediately and slap yourself in the face. The world doesn’t owe you something just because you feel that you’ve met some arbitrary criteria that you yourself invented. – Sean Patrick Flanery
Born in Lake Charles, Louisiana and raised in Sugar Land, Texas, Flanery began training in various forms of martial arts at a young age, taking part in his first full-contact kickboxing match at the age of 12. He continued his training while attending the University of Saint Thomas in Houston, but then one fateful day he followed a girl to a drama class and was immediately bitten by the acting bug. Later he moved to Los Angeles and waited tables for a living, before long appearing in television commercials and quickly making the transition to TV roles and onto movies. Flanery has an impressive filmography to boast, and remains today one of the hardest-working actors in the business.
When not working on various projects, including film, television and music videos, Flanery can be found training and teaching the finer points of BJJ to his fellow Los Angelians, attending comic-con events and appearances all over the country, online blogging, interacting with fans on various social networking sites, shopping for frozen pizza or spending quality time with Donut – his most loyal friend, sidekick and quite possibly the coolest canine on the planet. He has taken part in the international USO tour and traveled to the Middle East with fellow Boondock Saints alumni Troy Duffy, Norman Reedus and Brian Mahoney.
Sean Patrick Flanery and Blue Brigade Commander Norman Reedus showing their preparedness for the upcoming Z-pocalypse
Flanery is currently working on the film Dark Power, and will be appearing at Frank Strickland in the TV series Blackout. Be sure to also keep an eye out for the films Scavengers, Phantom, and The Devil’s Carnival.
____________________________________________ Don’t forget to check out our other Fearless Leaders!
Yellow Brigade, meet your commander Jinxie G! She writes, she reads, she draws and has been known to paint. But most importantly, she is in the spotlight this week for Commander Monday. She’s also nocturnal, so we’ll give her a break and turn off the light for a moment…
Put your big girl panties on and deal with it.
Ferocious, loyal, kind-hearted and determined, Jinxie is tall in stature, sharp as a double-bladed machete and not one to be trifled with. She wields a longbow with all the skill of an Amazon warrior, and when she’s done saving the world from the shambling hordes of the undead, she will sit us all down and show that she can cook like the Italian master chef that the she is.
N.L. “Jinxie” Gervasio is a freelance writer and co-editor at Running Ink Press. RIP is an independent publishing company with beginnings as a free e-magazine entitled Forever Nocturne, which has grown into full book publication favoring Modern Gothic Horror Romance. Love vampires, werewolves and all things dark and supernatural? RIP may be the place for you.
Jinxie’s World is a fantastic place that alternates comfortably between the worlds of reality and dreams, filled to the brim with dark wonders waiting to be discovered. Browse the recipes on her blog and you’re guaranteed to experience extreme salivation. Last October she put her talents to work for the battle against breast cancer by kicking off the Fight Like a Girl campaign with custom-designed memory bracelets both functional and girly. She is an active supporter of Defenders of Wildlife and BioGems and there are those who whisper that she can shapeshift into a wolf by the light of the full moon.
Amazon queen, creator and destroyer of worlds, earth mother and certified zombie slayer, Jinxie is not one to be taken lightly, or trifled with. Without her, the world would certainly be a most unsafe place.
Yellow Brigade Commander Jinxie G recruiting new members
Once veteran actor Tony Todd stepped off the stage and into a the 1986 film Sleepwalk, it was only a matter of time before he slipped into our nightmares through Clive Barker’s terrifying Candyman and became one of the most recognizable icons of horror films worldwide. As William Bludworth in the Final Destination series, he shared with wide-eyed viewers his vast knowledge of death and offered up a few tips about how to cheat the Reaper himself. In the 1990 remake of Romero’s classic Night of the Living Dead, Tony came face to face with the shambling horde for the first time, awarding him first-hand knowledge and experience that would prove invaluable for the future. It is this knowledge and experience that makes him more than qualified for leadership in the Zombie Survival Crew. Tony’s versatility, charisma and quiet nature directly contrast his powerful presence, and one cannot help but wonder what lurks beneath the surface, or what hides behind the chilling, intelligent smile.
performances with the Hartman Conservatory in Stamford, Connecticut and the Trinity Square Repertory Theatre Conservatory in Providence, Rhode Island. He also taught playwriting to high school students in the Hartford public school system. Tony has appeared in films, stage performances and TV series almost too numerous to mention, including Oliver Stone’s Academy Award-winning film Platoon, the title role in award-winning playwright August Wilson’s King Hedley II, and co-starring alongside Brandon Lee and Michael Wincott in the 1994 cult classic The Crow. On the smaller screen, we’ve seen Tony on Boston Public, NYPD Blue, Law & Order, Crossing Jordan, and The X-Files. He has had recurring roles in all three Star Trek franchises, episodes of CSI: Miami, and many other acclaimed television series.
