# 119 Teri McMInn

For those of you who remember the first time you saw “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre," you undoubtedly recall the defining scene in the film. The scene that literally scared you, and millions across the world out of their seats, and has remained burned into the psyche of all who’ve watched the film; poor, sweet “Pam," played by Teri McMinn, placed screaming and writhing on the meat hook by “Leatherface”. Her role as “Pam” garnered Teri a place in cinematic history. That single, powerful performance made her a film icon. She is known and beloved around the world, even after years of living in obscurity. 

In July 1973, while rehearsing "Catch Me If You Can" at Mary Moody Northern Theater at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas. The play starred actor, Frank Sutton, best known for his role of Gunnery Sergeant Vince Carter on the CBS television series Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. Serendipitously, Tobe Hooper and Kim Henkel were also in Austin, casting their independent horror film. Kim saw Teri’s publicity picture in the Austin American Statesman and called her to come for an audition. The working title of their film was, at that time called, "HEADCHEESE." Later the title of the film became, "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre." And that, folks, is how history is made!