Tribute to Vampira.

A lovely tribute from The Misfits' own Jerry Only was posted on their official site [here]. I thought it was a perfect dedication, as both were and are absolutely brilliant horror masterminds. Maila Nurmi was an extremely talented hostess and lady all around, giving true meaning to the words glamour ghoul. She was an inspiration to many, The Misfits and myself included and will live on in the realms of B-movie horror for years and years to come. This is a sad loss, I must say - I was very much a fan, and will remain so in her honor. I am, however, glad that she passed peacefully at a decent age. She will forever be one of my most cherished idols. Rest in Peace, Vampira. <3

IN LOVING MEMORY OF VAMPIRA (1921 – 2008)

On January 10, 2008, Maila Nurmi, better known as the legendary 1950’s Los Angeles B-movie horror hostess “Vampira”, passed away in her sleep at the age of 86. Said to be the inspiration for the Morticia Addams character in “The Addams Family”, Vampira was the original “glamour ghoul” and the iconic star of Ed Wood’s “Plan 9 from Outer Space”. She was also the subject of the classic song “Vampira” from the Misfits 1982 release “Walk Among Us”.

Misfits founding member Jerry Only comments:

“I found her one of the bravest and most charming people despite heartbreaks that came her way. When she found out what she meant to us, she went out of her way to come down and see us at the record store Vinyl Fetish in LA for the release of “Walk Among us” in 1982 and I’ll never forget that.”

She will be missed.

- Jerry Only