Queens of Scream

Scream Queen is a term that was specifically referring to an attractive young damsel in distress in horror films, but it is more than that now. Since Fay Wray was crowned the first "scream queen" after her role in the classic film "King Kong", things have changed. That change started with Jamie Lee Curtis in John Carpenter's "Halloween". The modern day "scream queen" has to not only be attractive, but sexy, seductive, romantic, seemingly attainable to the average guy, and a strong actress. She has to be able to portray emotion both audibly and physically, nor does she have to be the damsel in distress. The modern "scream queen" can be tough - even defeating the villain herself. Another change is that the film does not have to be "Horror" anymore, it can be science fiction, or any type of thriller, and lets not forget about television either. A "scream queen" doesn't have to make her home on the big screen, but can be right in your living room every week.

Some of the more notable "scream queens" today are: Sheri Moon Zombie, Jaime Alexander, Andrea Bogart, Crystal Lowe, Mercedes McNab, Tiffany Shepis, and Cerina Vincent. The reining Queen of Scream according to the NY Daily News is none other than Danielle Harris.

But lets not forget those lovely ladies from TV, like Nina Dobrev, Sarah Wayne Callies, Emily Rose, and Anna Paquin.