George Hardy (born October 16, 1954) is an American dentist and actor who played the leading role in the cult horror film Troll 2 (1990), which is regarded as one of the worst films ever made. In 2021 he was in the horror movie CYST.
George Hardy | |
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![]() George Hardy in 2015 | |
Born | (1954-10-16) October 16, 1954 (age 68) Alexander City, Alabama, U.S. |
Alma mater | Auburn University UAB School of Dentistry |
Occupation | Actor, dentist |
Years active | 1990–present |
Hardy studied at Auburn University during the 1970s. At that time he was interested in theater.[1] He took acting classes,[2] but gave up the idea of becoming an actor because he feared that it wouldn't be a practical career.[3] Hardy eventually became a dentist. He was practicing in Salt Lake City when he auditioned for Troll 2 at the urging of some of his patients.[4] He ended up winning the role of Michael Waits, head of the family that falls victim to the titular villains. After the film's dismal reception following a direct-to-video release, he returned to practicing dentistry full-time and did not pursue acting any further.
Word of mouth slowly spread about Troll 2 regarding how laughably poor it was, allowing a loyal fanbase to develop. This reached a head with the Upright Citizens Brigade's 2006 "Troll 2 Experience" screening, where Hardy was thrust back into the limelight as a guest of honor (along with several other cast members).[5] He and fellow co-star Michael Stephenson collaborated shortly thereafter on the behind-the-scenes documentary Best Worst Movie (2009). This film has gone on to receive widespread critical and audience acclaim[6] and was the centerpiece of an international tour that both Hardy and Stephenson engaged in between 2009 and 2010.[7]
Following the success of Best Worst Movie, Hardy revived his acting career and has been involved in numerous projects. These include Eric Hordes' yet-to-be-released film Goblin 2, in which he reprises his Troll 2 role of Michael Waits. Hardy had his first leading role since Troll 2 when he played Sgt. Travis Delmore in Texas Cotton (2018), which he also executive producer. [8][9]
He currently resides in his hometown of Alexander City, Alabama,[10] where he has maintained a dental practice since 1991.
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