Dr. Paul Bearer: Showing Horrible Old Movies, Telling Even More Horrible Puns
If you watched local television in Central Florida over the past 50 years, you likely know Dr. Paul Bearer, the campy horror-host character who introduced cheesy horror flicks and groan-worthy puns.
Created in 1973 by actor Dick Bennick Sr., Dr. Paul Bearer hosted WTOG Tampa’s Creature Feature, presenting “horrible old movies” and telling even more horrible puns. Bennick continued the role until his passing in 1995, making Dr. Paul Bearer the longest-running horror host on American television.
With the blessing of Bennick’s widow, actor Richard Koon revived the character. He first performed the role as a tribute in 2009. Having grown up watching the original Dr. Paul Bearer, he was motivated by other fans who wanted to pass that nostalgia onto their children…