Benton Tarantella Voiced by Peter Fernandez Species Zombie (formerly human) Gender Male Family

Unnamed mother Jocelyn Tarantella (twin sister)

Victor Tarantella (nephew) Friends Van Volkheim Enemies Courage, Eustace, Muriel Allies Van Volkheim First appearance Everyone Wants to Direct Quote "Yes, yes." Benton Tarantella is a zombie film director, and the ex-partner of Errol Von Volkheim. Benton along with Errol are the antagonists of the episode "Everyone Wants to Direct".

Personality

In Tarantella's first appearance, he carried the serial killer-like motives he had when he was alive. His persuasive charm and reputable status enabled him to carry out his malicious plans without question. It seems he did have a real love for making movies, constantly checking his script and even planning to film his and his partner's murder of Muriel, although his ultimate goal was simply to satisfy his new zombie lust for Human flesh.

Despite their arguments, Tarantella and his partner, Van Volkheim appeared to have been genuine friends, especially since Tarantella went through the trouble of resurrecting him just to share a meal and spotlight. When he reappeared later, this vicious, cannibalistic behavior seemed to have gone away, and his malevolent disposition became centered around more directorial goals such as using other people's torture as a form of entertainment.

History

While they were still alive, Benton Tarantella and his partner Errol Von Volkheim were serial killers and used to pose as film directors in order to lead in and murder unsuspecting victims. With twelve people slain, they were finally jailed on a life sentence. Volkheim was released for good behavior, leaving Tarantella alone to die in prison. Years afterwards and through unknown circumstances, Tarantella rose from the grave as a zombie, and prepared to continue his old ways. This required his friend, however, and with the planets' alignment imminent, all that was necessary was the proper burial site; the Bagge Farmhouse. With much experience in this area, Benton was able to get inside the house by pitching his script The Return of the Zombies from Beneath the Farm, which he wanted to film there. He offered the farmer a large sum of money, and his plan was concreted. Now he just had to set up his wife for consumption. A stream of light shone down from the planets, and Van Volkheim was reborn. The two looked to the script for the next phase, but unfortunately for them, Courage had changed it. Following what seemed to be Tarantella's writing, the Zombies returned back into the grave, and Muriel was saved (Ep.9-2). His undead self first appeared in Angry Nasty People.

The director later emerged from the dirt and returned to the three, pitching his new TV series, "Angry Nasty People." Inspired by Eustace, the reality show followed depictions of bitterness and rudeness. Tarantella assured his associate Lazo that it would be a phenomenal hit, as soon as the actual lead hit the scene. As filming progressed, the camera captured Eustace's mean and rotten essence, and from it, the star was born: Mr. Nasty. The views skyrocketed, and Tarantella milked it for as much money as it could gain. However, the other costars, Muriel and Courage, became disturbed by their constant torment by Mr. Nasty. During one shoot, Tarantella came into the room and found Courage holding Muriel over a pit of quicksand. Believing the dog was going to toss her in, the Zombie instantly promoted him, causing the out-shined Mr. Nasty to storm out. Overexcited, Benton leaped onto the rocking chair for a better shot, from which Courage knocked him into the pit. He watched on his own show as he sank to the bottom. (Ep.36-2)

Quotes

"This is gonna be great."

"Hey, this isn't my work!"

"Well, if it's in the script..."

"Nasty..."

Gallery

Trivia