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Iconic Child Villain Rhoda Turns 80: Patty McCormack Reflects on Enduring Horror Classic
27 Oct, 2025
Summary
- Patty McCormack originated the role of Rhoda on Broadway at age 8
- Film adaptation of "The Bad Seed" earned $4.1 million in 1957 ($50 million today)
- McCormack was nominated for Best Supporting Actress Oscar at age 11
Patty McCormack, the actress who brought the pigtailed protagonist Rhoda to life in the 1957 horror classic "The Bad Seed," is now 80 years old. McCormack originated the role on Broadway at just 8 years old, and was later cast in the film adaptation directed by Mervyn LeRoy.
The movie, which follows a young girl who is revealed to be a murderous sociopath, was a box office hit, earning $4.1 million ($50 million in 2025) on a $1 million budget. McCormack's chilling performance as the unconventional villain earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the age of 11, making her one of the youngest ever to receive the honor.
Over the years, Rhoda has become a beloved horror icon, on par with other famous villains like Freddie Krueger and Jason Voorhees. McCormack has found that the character has also been embraced as a counterculture hero, particularly as "The Bad Seed" found new fans during the social rebellion of the late 1960s. "She's a rebel in sheep's clothing," McCormack says, "because she dresses really nice and pretty."
