West Virginia University Libraries Exhibit
The Voice of Jack Skellington: West Virginia University Alumnus Chris Sarandon
Photo provided by the West Virginia & Regional History Center
What started out as a $24 million box office failure has turned into one of the most popular cult classic holiday movies of all time. Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas, a movie that took over 10 years to make, has become an inspiration to millions of people around the world.
But what does this film have to do with West Virginia?
This virtual exhibit is dedicated to introducing facts and stories related to this holiday film and the West Virginia native who voiced one of the most iconic characters of all time.
Chris Sarandon
Chris Sarandon was born in Beckley, West Virginia on July 24, 1942. He began acting at young age, performing in plays and musicals throughout his career. Sarandon attended West Virginia University with a major in speech, eventually performing in several plays. He continued his education at Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, earning a Master's degree in theater (IMDb.com, Inc., 2022).
As an actor, Chris Sarandon has stared in many cult classic movies, such as The Princess Bride, Child's Play, and Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas. He has also performed on and off Broadway.
To learn more about Chris Sarandon's history, click on the "Chris Sarandon" button below.
To read an interview with Chris Sarandon, click the "interview" button below.
The Film
From the creative and twisted mind of Tim Burton, The Nightmare Before Christmas has grown in popularity and recognition since it's creation in 1993. What was once considered a box office flop has now become a classic holiday film that continues to defy the norm.
Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas is a dark and fantastical tale of holiday magic and one character's ambition to change the course of Christmas forever. A mixture of stop-motion animation and CGI, the film creates a whimsical contrast between two of the world's most celebrated holidays.
To learn more about the film and its creation,
click on the button below.
West Virginia & Regional History Center (WVRHC)
So, what does Chris Sarandon, WVU Libraries, and Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas have in common?
WVU graduate Chris Sarandon donated scripts, movie posters, VHS tapes, and more to the West Virginia & Regional History Center at WVU. These artifacts are available for the public to view on the 6th floor of the Downtown Library.
To view the list of artifacts online,
visit the West Virginia & Regional History Center website below.
