R.I.P. John Zacherle, a.k.a. "The Cool Ghoul." Svengoolie remembers the original horror host.

The "Dinner with Drac" singer died at the age of 98.

The Everett Collection

Before Svengoolie and Elvira, there was the Cool Ghoul.

In the 1950s, John Zacherle was working at WCAU-TV in Philadelphia when he got the gig hosting the station's "Shock Theater," a regular program that aired classic horror films. It was in the city of Brotherly Love where he befriended local DJ Dick Clark, who would reportedly give Zacherle the nickname "The Cool Ghoul."

Zacherle would go on to fill in for Clark here and there on the touring American Bandstand show. He had a bit of rock 'n' roll success himself, too, with the hit 1958 Halloween novelty song “Dinner With Drac." On October 27, 2016, Zacherle passed away at the age of 98 according to Variety.

As one of the original horror hosts, he obviously had profound influence on our own Svengoolie. Rich Koz, the man behind the makeup, remembers his predecessor:

"So sorry to hear of the passing of the great John Zacherle at the age of 98 — one of the original 1950s horror show hosts who continued on for many years, from regular shows to specials and appearances at conventions. Though I never got to meet him, we had been in contact occasionally, and he was very warm and complimentary when speaking about me. A fine man and an old school professional, John will be missed."

After his time in Philadelphia, Zacherle moved to New York City where he would host “Chiller Theatre” on WPIX beginning in 1963. 

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  • STUART NISBET, WHO APPEARED IN (ALMOST) EVERY TV SHOW
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  • BARRY JENNER OF 'FAMILY MATTERS' AND 'STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE'

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