Charles Manson, erstwhile cult leader, musician, and one of the most notorious criminals in American history, just got his picture made.  From within the walls of the California State Prison-Concoran, a bearded, balding Manson glares impassively at the camera as he counts down the days until his next parole hearing in 2012.  He’s been denied parole 11 times, but when you’re as crazy as Charlie is, hope springs eternal.  You have to admit that, for 74, Manson looks to be in pretty good health.

I work with a guy who is a huge, huge fan of certain character actors.  Among the many actors who we both reference quite a bit, usually in our discussions of how he wished he had grown long hair when he was my age (at a time in which I had long hair and a full beard) is Steve Railsback. Railsback played Manson in the excellent TV movie Helter Skelter.  I always joked that he could grow his hair and beard out, dye both, and come to work on Halloween as Charles Manson (since he’s roughly the same height as Manson), and I’d not cut my hair or beard, dye both, and come to work on Halloween as Steve Railsback playing Charles Manson (since I’m roughly the same height as Railsback).

I kind of feel like playing Manson so well ended up damaging Railsback’s career, since he’s an amazing actor but is pigeonholed in horror roles now.  I feel the same way about Michael Rooker‘s incredible work in Henry:  Portrait of a Serial Killer.  I suppose it’s better to be known for something than nothing.

Tags: concoran, california state prison, charles manson at 74, charles manson, serial killers, cult leaders, unusual images, steve railsback

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