Costume, Performance
Object number2019.11.1
Manufacturer
Madison Ltd.
Datec. 1977
MediumSynthetic fabric (Vinyl?); Synthetic fabric; Metal
Credit LineGift of Donna Rae
DescriptionPurple synthetic (vinyl?) fabric jumpsuit performance costume. Stand-up collar. Ten brass-colored buttons down front bodice opening. Long-sleeve with two brass-colored buttons on each cuff. All buttons have text on front. Bell-bottom flared pant legs. Lined with synthetic purple fabric.DimensionsHeight x Width (width at waist): 58.5 x 16.75 in. (148.6 x 42.5 cm)MarksInside collar at back center is white fabric tag with embroidered gold "7" surmounted by black embroidered text "Madison / Ltd."
Each button has engraved text on front around the perimeter "KEMINGTON / GA / EXPRESS / 20".
Historical NotesThis costume was worn by Donna Rae while portraying the character “Terminal Stare” on the late-night horror and science fiction movie television program "Chiller Theater" on WIIC/WPXI Channel 11, which aired from September 14, 1963 to January 1, 1984. Rae and Bill “Chilly Billy” Cardille, host of Chiller Theater, created the vampy character who neither talked nor smiled. Rae wore the purple jumpsuit in a publicity shot and later created “Terminal Stare” t-shirts using the photo. The Terminal Stare t-shirts were designed by Trau-Loevner and sold by Rae at public appearances.
Previous owner
Donna Rae
Related person
Bill Cardille
Related institution
WIIC-TV
Related institution
WPXI
Terms
On View
Not on view
c. 1958
1941-1962
