Anthony Perkins as Ed Gein
Anthony Perkins played Ed Gein in the 1960 film Psycho. The role became one of the most iconic performances in horror cinema history.
Who Was Ed Gein?
Ed Gein was an American murderer and body snatcher active in the 1950s. He was convicted of killing two women and exhuming corpses from local graveyards. His crimes inspired several horror films, including The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and Silence of the Lambs.
Impact on Film and Culture
Perkins' portrayal of Gein established a template for disturbed serial killer characters in movies. The performance influenced decades of horror storytelling and character design. Learn more about the real Ed Gein case on the FBI's historical case files.
