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[R.I.P.] ‘Elvira: Mistress of the Dark’ Writer John Paragon Has Passed Away
Known to many as Jambi the Genie on longtime friend Paul Reubens’ “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” we’ve learned the sad news that actor, writer and filmmaker John Paragon has passed away.
Paragon was 66 years old, and he reportedly passed away on April 3, 2021.
Born in Anchorage, Alaska on December 9, 1954, John Paragon got his start as a member of the well-known improvisation group The Groundlings, where he met Paul Reubens, Phil Hartman and Cassandra “Elvira” Peterson. Paragon and Peterson became longtime friends and collaborators, writing the script for the 1988 feature film Elvira: Mistress of the Dark together.
Paragon later wrote the script for 2001 movie Elvira’s Haunted Hills, while also working with Peterson on “The Elvira Show,” “13 Nights of Elvira,” “Elvira’s Movie Macabre.”
Peterson paid tribute to her friend on Twitter today, writing: “Lost someone that meant the world to me and was such a huge part of “Elvira” and my life that it’s impossible to express how sad I feel. John Paragon, my writing partner of 27 years…my friend, my brother, my soul-mate. I will miss you and love you forever, Johnny.”
John Paragon was also a filmmaker, directing episodes of “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” “Pacific Blue,” and “Silk Stalkings.” He directed the films Double Trouble (1992) and Twin Sitters (1994). Additional writing credits include The Pee-Wee Herman Show, Elvira’s MTV Halloween Party, Christmas at Pee-wee’s Playhouse, Ring of the Musketeers, and “Pee-wee’s Playhouse.”
Paragon appeared in Cheech and Chong’s Next Movie, Eating Raoul, Pandemonium, Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, UHF, Double Trouble, Honey, I Blew Up the Kid, and “Seinfeld.”
For his work on “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” Paragon was nominated for four Daytime Emmys.
Lost someone that meant the world to me and was such a huge part of “Elvira” and my life that it’s impossible to express how sad I feel. John Paragon, my writing partner of 27 years…my friend, my brother, my soul-mate. I will miss you and love you forever, Johnny #RIPJohnParagon pic.twitter.com/ajz0nhIXLs
— Elvira (@TheRealElvira) June 18, 2021
Are you watching? Ishana Night Shyamalan has clearly been paying attention to her father, M. Night Shyamalan. Not only is she following in his footsteps as a filmmaker, but she’s also embracing a similar mystique surrounding her work.
The new trailer for her feature directorial debut, The Watchers, gives viewers a taste of what’s in store. AreYouWatching.com has launched with even more clues.
Visit the site to join the mysterious creatures that lurk in the Irish forest as you observe a shelter. From the time the sun sets at 7:30 PM until it rises at 5:55 AM, four strangers — played by Dakota Fanning, Georgina Campbell, Oliver Finnegan, and Olwen Fouere — can be seen trapped inside.
You’ll find several interactive items. Click on the gramophone to set the mood with some spooky music. Tap on the birdcage to hear an ominous message from the parrot inside: “I’m going out, try not to die.” Press on the TV to watch clips from a fake reality show called Lair of Love. And if you tap on the window during the daytime … they’ll tap back.
There are also Easter eggs hidden at specific times. We’ve discovered three: a disorienting shot of Fanning’s character’s car at 5:52 PM, a closer view of the captives at 11:11 PM, and a glimpse of monitors at 12:46 AM. Let us know if you find any more in the comments…
The Watchers opens in theaters on June 14 via New Line Cinema. Ishana Night Shyamalan writes and directs, based on the 2022 novel of the same name by A.M. Shine. M. Night Shyamalan produces.
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