Sam Raimi’s “The Evil Dead” is one of the best and most successful independent films ever made.
The brilliant supernatural horror movie was produced on a budget of just $375,000 and made an impressive $29.4 million at the worldwide box office (per The Numbers).
It follows five college students into the woods, where they intend to vacation in an isolated cabin. However, their pleasure soon turns to terror when they find an audio tape that, when played, releases a legion of demons, spirits, and unhinged gory mayhem.
“The Evil Dead” stars Bruce Campbell as the now-iconic Ash Williams. Campbell has an able supporting cast performing alongside him in the film.
Released on April 15, 1983 (after filming had completed some two years earlier), the movie will turn 43 years old this year. With that in mind, wouldn’t it be cool to see its stars now compared to how they looked back then? Let’s do that immediately…
Bruce Campbell (Ash Williams)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Bruce Campbell in “The Evil Dead.”
Bruce Campbell played Ashley “Ash” Williams in “The Evil Dead.” Ash is the movie’s protagonist and its sole survivor. He’s the everyman hero who becomes the franchise’s signature character, evolving into the chainsaw and boomstick-wielding badass and cultural icon in later entries.
Age when “The Evil Dead” released: 24.
Selected movie credits before “The Evil Dead”: It’s Murder! (1977).
GettyAge now: 67.
Selected movie credits after “The Evil Dead”: Maniac Cop (1988), Escape from L.A. (1996), Bubba Ho-Tep (2002).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Ellen Sandweiss (Cheryl Williams)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Ellen Sandweiss on the set of “The Evil Dead.”
Ellen Sandweiss played Cheryl Williams in “The Evil Dead.” Cheryl is Ash Williams’ younger sister. She’s the first to encounter and sense the evil in the cabin, and becomes the first character to be physically attacked and demonically possessed by it.
Age when “The Evil Dead” released: 24.
Selected movie credits before “The Evil Dead”: N/A.
GettyAge now: 67.
Selected movie credits after “The Evil Dead”: Satan’s Playground (2006), My Name is Bruce (2007), Dark Fields (2009).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Betsy Baker (Linda)
Above is a social media post with several pictures of Betsy Baker in and on the set of “The Evil Dead.”
Betsy Baker played Linda in “The Evil Dead.” Linda is Ash’s girlfriend in the movie. She’s a sweet and loving girl who tragically becomes possessed by the supernatural evil early on.
Age when “The Evil Dead” released: 27.
Selected movie credits before “The Evil Dead”: Word of Honor (1981).
Above is a 2024 social media post with a more recent picture of Betsy Baker (scroll right for bonus pictures of Theresa Tilly and Richard DeManincor).
Age now: 70.
Selected movie credits after “The Evil Dead”: Appearances (1990), Oz the Great and Powerful (2013), Lake Eerie (2015).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Richard DeManincor (Scotty)
Above is a social media post with two pictures of Richard DeManincor in “The Evil Dead.”
Richard DeManincor, credited as Hal Delrich, played Scotty in “The Evil Dead.” Scotty is a friend in the group visiting the cabin. He’s more brash and skeptical than the other group members at first. Scotty is ultimately killed and reanimates as a violent ghoul.
Age when “The Evil Dead” released: 27.
Selected movie credits before “The Evil Dead”: N/A.
Above is a 2024 social media post with a more recent picture of Richard DeManincor (L) along with Theresa Tilly (C), and Betsy Baker (R).
Age now: 70.
Selected movie credits after “The Evil Dead”: Crimewave (1985).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Theresa Tilly (Shelly)
Above is a social media post with a picture of Theresa Tilly in “The Evil Dead” (scroll right for a bonus picture of Betsy Baker).
Theresa Tilly, credited as Sarah York, played Shelly in “The Evil Dead.” Shelly is Scotty’s girlfriend. Although she’s the least developed character in the movie’s main group prior to her brutal death, she plays a key role in the escalating possessions.
Age when “The Evil Dead” released: 29.
Selected movie credits before “The Evil Dead”: N/A.
Above is a 2025 social media post with a more recent picture of Theresa Tilly (L) along with Betsy Baker (C, behind), and Richard DeManincor (R).
Age now: 72.
Selected movie credits after “The Evil Dead”: Brutal Massacre: A Comedy (2007), Oz the Great and Powerful (2013), The Prototype (2022).
Filmography info per IMDb.
“The Evil Dead” remains a cult favorite among horror fans today and boasts an impressive 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The movie spawned a franchise that now includes four additional films, a follow-up television series, video games, comic books, and various other forms of merchandise and paraphernalia.
It’s fantastic to know its core cast are still doing well over four decades after “The Evil Dead” released.
The post ‘The Evil Dead’ Cast Then & Now: PHOTOS appeared first on EntertainmentNow.