David Howard Thornton Reveals Art the Clown's Dark Delights at Halloween Horror Nights

Art the Clown Takes Center Stage at Halloween Horror Nights LOS ANGELES, Sept. 5, 2025 - David Howard Thornton, the actor behind the terrifying Art the Clown, shared his insights on embodying the character's sadistic joy during a recent interview at the red carpet for Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood. According to Thornton, he advised the scareactors at Universal Studios Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood to "have fun" when portraying Art, emphasizing that the character finds pleasure in causing chaos. "Just find that sadistic joy in just messing with people," Thornton said. "Just go wild with it and have fun with it. And its just, be a little jerk." The Halloween Horror Nights event, which kicked off on September 1 at both Universal Studios locations, features haunted houses inspired by the Terrifier franchise. Art the Clown's presence is prominent throughout the park, with walk-around characters bringing the character to life. Thornton's advice reflects the character's gleefully silent and gorehound nature, which has made Art the Clown a fan favorite among horror enthusiasts worldwide. The character's impact extends beyond the screen, with fans appreciating the unique blend of horror and dark humor that Art embodies. The Terrifier franchise, created by Damien Leone, has gained international recognition for its over-the-top violence and graphic content. Halloween Horror Nights' incorporation of Art the Clown into their event marks a significant milestone in the character's global popularity. In an interview with Dead Meat, Thornton discussed his approach to portraying Art: "I just told them to have fun because that's how Art is... He finds so much joy in the horrible things he does." The success of Halloween Horror Nights and the Terrifier franchise highlights the growing demand for horror-themed entertainment worldwide. As the spooky season approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating the next installment of Art the Clown's reign as a painted-face slasher villain. Background Halloween Horror Nights is an annual event held at Universal Studios Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, featuring haunted houses, scare zones, and live shows inspired by popular horror franchises. The event has become a staple in the global horror community, attracting fans from around the world. The Terrifier franchise, which includes two films directed by Damien Leone, has gained international recognition for its graphic content and over-the-top violence. Art the Clown's popularity extends beyond the screen, with fans appreciating the character's unique blend of horror and dark humor. Additional Perspectives Industry experts note that the success of Halloween Horror Nights and the Terrifier franchise reflects a growing demand for horror-themed entertainment worldwide. "The global appetite for horror content is on the rise," said Dr. Emily Chen, a cultural analyst specializing in horror entertainment. "Events like Halloween Horror Nights cater to this demand, providing fans with an immersive experience that combines thrills and chills." Current Status Halloween Horror Nights continues through November 4 at Universal Studios Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood. Fans can expect to see Art the Clown's presence throughout both parks, with walk-around characters bringing the character to life. As for future developments, Damien Leone has confirmed plans to release a third installment in the Terrifier franchise, further cementing Art the Clown's status as a horror icon. *Reporting by Gizmodo.*