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Patty McCormack: From Child Star to Horror Icon
18 Oct
Summary
- Patty McCormack was Oscar-nominated at 11 for The Bad Seed
- Struggled to separate herself from her iconic "murderous child" role
- Now, nearly 70 years later, her character is a cult classic
In 2025, Patty McCormack, now 80 years old, reflects on her journey from child star to horror icon. Back in 1956, McCormack became one of the youngest Oscar nominees ever for her role as the murderous Rhoda Penmark in the film The Bad Seed. While the movie is now considered a horror masterpiece, McCormack says she didn't realize its impact for decades.
For years, McCormack tried to distance herself from the role, as there was a stigma around being a "has-been" child actor. But over time, the culture around film history changed, and people began to appreciate the history of actors' careers. McCormack's character Rhoda also gained a cult following, with fans identifying with her rebellious nature.
Now, nearly 70 years after the film's release, McCormack has embraced her iconic status. She has continued to work steadily in the industry, appearing in TV shows like The Ropers and The Sopranos. And she's even attended screenings where people dress up as her character in blonde wigs and braids. Despite the challenges of child stardom, McCormack credits her "pretty solid family" and her love of acting for helping her survive and thrive in the industry.
