KELLI MARONEY: A Talk With the NIGHT OF THE COMET Star

While Catherine Mary Stewart was the lead in NIGHT OF THE COMET, where would the film be without the performance by Kelli Maroney as her sister? She was very funny as the cheerleader who tries to survive in a world of zombies. No word on if she inspired BUFFY.

Kelli got her start on the soap opera RYAN'S HOPE, and appeared in FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH. In 1984 she starred in NIGHT OF THE COMET.

I was able to contact her to ask her a few questions about the film.


How did you get involved with NIGHT OF THE COMET?

I was repped by the producer at the time. I read the script on an airplane and laughed out loud, much to my embarrassment. When I went in to audition, I really wanted to read for Reggie, but the producer said no. Of course, now I get why!


While a low budget film, it has the feel of a big budget film, with the look of a desolated LA. What was the filming like?

The powers that were always boasted that every single penny was up there on the screen. I guess that is true...it sure ain't in my bank account!

Seriously, we filmed at unGodly hours when we hoped no one else would be out and about. I remember one daily screening where the producer, Wayne Crawford, spotted some window washers!?! on a supposedly deserted building. So, it was a hoot.

Another time during the middle of the night, homeless dudes crashed our lunch line thinking it was a soup kitchen. We fed them.


One of the most memorable scenes is the two of you firing Uzis in the middle of the street. Did you go through weapons training for the film?

We did--everyone made fun of me because I always kind of squatted when aiming..but it was a funny character thing.

Later on, I was always the girl with the gun and it was always the same guy who was sent to teach the actors. He would say, "Her again?.....she already knows. Easy day for me."


What was it like to work with Catherine Mary Stewart?

She sucked. LOL No, seriously, it was one of the best experiences I have ever had and I am honored to count her as a friend to this day.


Do you still get feedback from fans of the film?

OMG---like, everyday. It is kind of weird. You never know what you are going to impact people with in terms of hitting an emotional or sociological nerve. We certainly hit it!

A big thank you to Kelli Maroney.

You can read an interview with NIGHT OF THE COMET co-star Catherine Mary Stewart here.

This was written as part of the Films of 1984 Blogathon hosted by This Distracted Globe. You can read more bloggers talking about 1984 here.

NIGHT OF THE COMET is available on DVD from MGM Home Video.