Had I not done Shakespeare, Pinter, Moliere and things such as

Robert Englund’s reflection, “Had I not done Shakespeare, Pinter, Molière and things such as 'Godspell' - I played Judas in a hugely successful production before I did 'Elm Street' - I’d probably be on a psychiatrist’s couch saying: ‘Freddy ruined me.’ But I’d already done 13 movies and years of non-stop theatre,” speaks to the immense power of experience and the resilience of the human spirit. In this statement, Englund acknowledges the profound effect that playing Freddy Krueger in A Nightmare on Elm Street had on him—not just in terms of his career, but on his personal psyche. However, it is his vast experience in theatre and his deep immersion in works by masters such as Shakespeare, Pinter, and Molière that provided the necessary grounding to withstand the psychological challenges of taking on such a dark and iconic role.

Englund’s journey is a lesson in preparation, for in his words, he reveals how the challenges of playing Freddy were buffered by the strong foundation of his earlier experiences. Shakespeare, with his rich, complex characters, Pinter’s psychological depth, and Molière’s wit and insight into human nature, had already shaped Englund into a well-rounded actor—someone capable of understanding the complexities of the human condition. These roles, steeped in the intricacies of the human psyche, gave him the emotional and intellectual armor to take on a character like Freddy Krueger, whose psychotic evil and relentless horror could easily overwhelm the unprepared mind.

The concept of preparation in the face of intense challenge is as ancient as the Greek hero’s journey. Take the tale of Heracles, who, before undertaking his legendary labors, had already been forged in the fires of intense struggle. His twelve labors were not just acts of strength—they were also tests of his resilience, his resolve, and his mental fortitude. In a way, Englund’s training in theatre was his own preparation, his own set of labors, equipping him to withstand the toll that playing Freddy would take on him. His previous roles, ranging from Shakespeare’s tragic kings to Judas in Godspell, allowed him to explore the full spectrum of human emotion and to understand that even in darkness, there is meaning to be found.

Theatre itself, with its live, raw energy, often forces actors to confront their deepest fears and to understand the complex nature of performance. Englund’s years on stage were a crucible, a place where he tested and refined his craft. In the same way that the great actors of the past, from Aeschylus to Sophocles, faced the complexities of humanity through their roles in the ancient tragedies, Englund found himself navigating the emotional and psychological terrain of the human condition—both in the great works of literature and in the live-action world of theatre. Theatre forces an actor to not only perform but to truly live the role, to breathe life into every emotion, every word, every action.

Freddy Krueger, as a character, is a terrifying presence—both in the world of nightmares and in the minds of the audience. Yet, the lesson that Englund offers us is not simply that one can overcome the psychological impact of playing such a role. It is that experience builds resilience. Through the years of theatre, through the range of roles he performed, Englund had cultivated a deep sense of self-awareness and emotional strength. By the time Freddy Krueger entered his life, he had already endured the trials of character and performance. This mental and emotional fortitude became his shield as he faced the darkness of Freddy’s relentless and all-consuming evil.

In this sense, Englund’s story is one of self-mastery. To become truly resilient in the face of hardship—whether in acting or in life—requires preparation, experience, and an unwavering commitment to growth. Just as David’s courage against Goliath was shaped by his experiences as a shepherd, Englund’s resilience was shaped by his roles on stage and screen. His extensive background in classical theatre and acting gave him the tools to survive and thrive, even when faced with the most challenging roles. He was not just an actor, but a student of the human experience, understanding that true strength comes not just from talent, but from years of learning, adapting, and confronting adversity.

The lesson here is clear: no experience is wasted, for each step you take on your journey of life is an opportunity to build strength, wisdom, and resilience. Prepare yourself, as Englund did, with knowledge, practice, and understanding, and when the trials of life come—whether in the form of a challenging career, a personal battle, or a moment of deep fear—you will have the foundation to stand firm. Seek out experiences that challenge you, that push you to your limits, for it is through these struggles that you will find your true strength. Embrace the process of growth, and know that when the time comes to face your own dark nights, you will have the tools to emerge victorious.