So how did you become a fan?

[Mrs Vindecco]

I remember when I was about six there was a season of Universal Horror movies on TV. I remember channel four making a big deal of them because it was the first time the completed films were broadcast (with little Maria's death etc). From then on I was a fan of the series. I loved the atmosphere, the design, the music especially the performances. I was always intrigued by the characters of Renfield and Fritz. Though they were supposed to be frightening I found them sympthetic, almost endearing and more discening than the average ghoul in cinema. I was a bit older before I realised that it was the same actor that played both characters. A few years ago, i got back into watching the Universal series and appreciated how brilliant and intelligent Dwight's performances were? I bought a few more of his films, the excellent "Dwight Frye's Last Laugh" and thanks to the wonders of the internet I've indulged this fandom.

[Luna]

When I was seven I seen the Universal horror series for the very first time. I absolutely loved the films, and like you I was particularly intrigued by the characters which Dwight portrayed. His performances were so passionate and "real"- for lack of a better term. When I was nineteen I revisited the series again, and once more fell in love with it and Dwight. For the first time I also recognized that he was attractive. However at this time I was involved with the pursuit of other fandoms, so Dwight's remained on the back burner a bit. In 2007 I finally made the decision to look him up on-line. Prior to then I was naive enough to believe that there wouldn't be a strong fanbase out there- that I would be alone in my interest. Fortunately I discovered that I was wrong, as there were several videos for him posted at "You Tube" and a small but dedicated fandom which adored him. I wish that I would have made the leap earlier, as Dwight has been the single greatest person that I have admired. Prior fandoms were always disappointing and cannot really compare. I've loved the Universal horror series for years, and Dwight was always a part of that, but now he is even more and I am proud to name myself among those who honor his memory.

[kakadoodoo3000]

First...actually, I was a fan of Bela Lugsi even before I'd seen any of his films, because of this one photo of him in a Reader's Digest horror compilation. I was maybe ten or eleven, then. As an adult, I was thrilled to find "Dracula" 1931 on YT, and expected to fall even more hopelessly in love with Bela. Then I noticed the actor playing Renfield. He was a pretty little thing--a little too effete, in my opinion (AT THE TIME, take note), but he fascinated me nonetheless, bec. he reminded me of the character, 'Niles Crane' from "Frasier," my favorite show. But when Renfield went mad, OMG X 10 to infinity!!! The change in him was unbelievable! Such believable, intense madness--nothing like the sweet little door mouse, Renfield, at the film's beginning. That was it! I'm still a huge Bela fan, but Dwight instantly became the apple of my eye. I just wanted MORE MORE MORE! Then I read about his very sad life story, and it broke my heart. I like to believe that Dwight and his family are in heaven, and smile down upon our efforts to show our appreciation and keeping their memories alive.

[kakadoodoo3000]

P.S. As I sought Dwight's films on YT, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that I'd seen some of his films, and already liked his characters as a kid, namely Chick and Fritz. I remember being crestfallen when each of them died. My kiddie crush on the actor who played Chick and Fritz (didn't even know at the time, that they were the same person. Ok, I was a dumb kid), has grown into a full-blown obsession, now that I'm an adult. Always love to know fellow Dwight fans. TC all!

[theblackcat]

Some time before I turned 16, I happened to find a copy of "Dracula" in the local library. I still haven't quite figured out what made me want to see it (back then I wasn't actually very interested in anything old-fashioned, and after seeing Dario Argento's "Phantom of the Opera" I had decided to never watch horror films again).

To be honest, "Dracula" didn't impress me the first time I watched it (please forgive me!), but some time later I decided to give it another chance. That's when I started to pay more attention on Dwight's performance. I had never seen anyone act like that before. I got hooked later that summer when I found some tributes to Dwight on YouTube. That time I realized that old movies were really "my thing".

[herald7]

My father's a big fan of classic horror films and has always tried to introduce them to me. As someone who has studied acting, I really admired Dwight Fyre's ability to chew the scenary in all of his on screen moments. Certainly it's a role any actor would love to have because let's face it, it's the part audiences will remember the most (well, next to Dracula of course, hehe).

[Mrs Vindecco]

I think everyone was introduced to Dwight through his portrayal of Renfield, a film that he fought for, enjoyed playing but sadly sealed his fate. Luckily some of his other films do show that he was capable of more.

While more people remember Lugosi in Dracula, I honestly believe that it is Dwight that saves it from becoming dull as he brings so much life into every scene he is in.

[Luna]

I could not agree more. Once we move past the film's inital phase and the Count enters London the pace begins to slow and if it were not for Dwight the movie would have seriously been in danger of falling apart. He and Edward Van Sloan held it together in my opinion.

[limey]

I first saw all the Universal Horror Films in 1977 when BBC2 was showing the entire series. I remember Bela was my main attraction at the time in Dracula, but I did notice how cute Renfield was too. Now that I've started rewatching the Universal films and seeing Dwight in different roles I realized what an amazing actor he was. Plus a loving and caring family man.

[Mrs Vindecco]

Oh Limey, I never realised you were a fellow Brit! I've met only one other British Dwight fan online, so it's brilliant to find another

[limey]

I am a Brit but I left England in 1986 after I married my husband who's an American. I'm sorry to say I've even lost most of my accent.