Dr. Creep, played by Barry Hobart, is a well known local personality for almost 40 years in my hometown of Dayton, OH. He was host of the wonderful Saturday TV show Shock Theatre, where he would introduce low budget horror films and produced humorous segments between commercial breaks. Shock Theatre aired on WKEF Channel 22 from 1972 to 1985 and developed a huge cult following.
Dr. Creep was also co-host of the children’s TV show Clubhouse 22.
Along with it being a big influence on me as I grew up watching Dr. Creep, I also have a very personal connection to the show. My Mom used to appear on Shock Theatre as the vampire “Mysteria” who would do magic tricks during the breaks. I have fond memories hanging out at the studios during the tapings.
Lately Dr. Creep has not been doing so well. He’s suffered numerous stokes and is having a tough time with medical expenses. WKEF recently did an interview with Barry from his home and have setup a special “Get Well” page were people can leave messages for Dr. Creep.
It was ”Shock Theatre” on Channel 22 that made Dr. Creep a household name and face here in the Dayton area. People in the 1970’s and 80’s grew up with Dr. Creep and all his ”Shock Theatre” friends. But it wasn’t just on TV where you could find the doctor, he was also all over the community, taking part in parades, visiting sick children at Children’s Medical Center and making appearances on the annual MDA telethon…many times giving his time for free.
”I believe we were put here to help each other get through life hand in hand.” Such is the philosophy of Barry Hobart, who is Dr. Creep’s other half and whose health you could now classify has horrible. Hobart has had five strokes, has a balance problem and suffers from congestive heart failure. With those multiple medical problems comes big bills, which have put the good doctor in dire financial straits. So now his friends in the horror industry, many of whom have worked with Hobart for years, are putting together a benefit for him. They say they want to give back to a man who has given so much of himself. Hobart says being Dr. Creep has not made him a rich man financially, but has made him wealthy in more important ways, ”I’m rich from the people I’ve met in life….I wouldn’t change a thing, I wouldn’t change my life one bit.”
Chaos In The Park 2009, a benefit concert for Dr. Creep is being organized for July 18th from noon to 9pm at the Snyder Park Band Shell in Springfield, OH.
For more info on Dr. Creep and Shock Theatre check out the Shock Theatre website. A bunch of videos from the show are posted up on the Shock Theater YouTube page.
UPDATE 1: A Dr. Creep Recovery Fund has been established. Donations can be made to Dr. Creep via PayPal.
UPDATE 2: A blog and Twitter account have been setup for Dr. Creep news and updates.
Blog: http://drcreep.wordpress.com
Twitter: @shocktheater
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I grew up in Detroit, with family in Dayton. Ok, Oakwood. But me and my brother used to LOVE sneaking to watch Dr. Creep!
Thanks for the heads up, I would love to help now that I am aware!!
Wow. I totally forgot about Dr. Creep. Hope the benefit is a success.
Fabulous poster! Best of luck to Dr. Creep.
THANK YOU for building this page! Dr. Creep was my inspiration to become a horror host, as well as being a dear man and a great friend.
Ghastlee! Get in touch with me! I got some more news for the benefit!
‘Shock Theatre’ and the good Dr. practically raised me through the 70’s and 80’s! Get well Barry! Lets all see what we can pull together on the 18th!! It’s time for someone who has given so much, to get BACK some!
I will be there with my sister. I was afraid of him and his goofy laugh when I was little. Hoo Ha Ha Ha. I’m 41 years old now. I watched Clubhouse 22 also. I grew to love him. A few years ago, I went to the Upper Vally Mall and walked by a video store and saw Dr. Creep videos on display. An employee told me that he was there earlier that day and that I just missed him. I was so upset. I bought the tapes and I still watch them around Halloween time. I love you Dr. Creep!!
I watched dr creep religiously as a child and was a big fan. I still remember him doing belly flops off the high dive at willow grove swim club. Hoping to make the benefit!!
After watching Dr Creep for so many years I had my own personal aspirations of becoming a horror host.Some kids wanted to play pro football or be cops,but I wanted to host old horror movies.I will be there at the benefit to help the doc in anyway I can.Bet on it!
Shock theater was my life growing up in mason ohio in the 70’s and 80’s.
Dr. creep(barry) is a wonderful person for all the things he has done for
everyone around town.Horror movies are still my life and for that i will be glad to give my time and money to help my childhood hero.We still love you Dr.creep!!
A Dr. Creep Recovery Fund has been established. Donations can be made via PayPal: http://drcreep.wordpress.com/2009/07/14/dr-creep-recovery-fund/
Dr. Creep (Barry) is a beloved icon in Dayton and someone I have written about for years as a freelance reporter for the Dayton Daily News and the Greene County Dailies. Barry has made countless appearances to support one charity or another and has spent over twenty years tirelessly gathering and distributing toys for Project Christmas Smiles, a charity he co-founded years ago with the late Linda Gabbard. Please do all you can to offer him your support in any way possible; there’s only one Dr. Creep!
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