Robert Englund began studying acting at age 12, attending a children's program at California State University, Northridge. He continued his education during high school at Cranbrook Theatre School, and then attended UCLA before dropping out and going to Michigan’s Oakland University and trained at Meadow Brook Theatre at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art branch.He preformed in regional theatre for 5 years, then was offered a supporting role in the film Buster and Billie. In 1976, he audition for the role of Han Solo and Luke Skywalker, not getting either role he did suggest Mark Hamill for the role of Luke. From the late 70’s to early 80’s he accepted a few more roles usually as a nerd or redneck.In 1984 he went against his normal roles, and accepted his lead role as Freddy Krueger in Wes Craven’s A Nightmare on Elm Street. He reprised his role in multiple sequels from 1985 to 2003. Englund has protrayed the same horror character 8 times, making him only one of four to have done it. Englund was noted saying he loved the role, it was his break away from always being the nice guy. Although Krueger is regarded as one of the scariest characters in cinema, Englund is known by his costars, friends, and film crews as being friendly and always appreciative. In 1988 he debuted as a director with his horror film 976-EVIL. He continued picking up tv and film roles, even taking on video game and music video appearances, and between 1989 and 1991 was the host of Horror Hall of Fame