Actor Marty Klebba Talks Detroit Roots, Hollywood Blockbusters, and His Role in the Eloise Movie – Catch Him at Fandom Fridays at Eloise!
Detroit native Marty Klebba, the actor and stuntman best known for his roles in Pirates of the Caribbean and Planet of the Apes, is coming home for a special appearance at Eloise Asylum’s Fandom Fridays this week. With decades of Hollywood experience and a passion for his hometown, Klebba recently sat down with WRIF’s Meltdown to discuss his career, Detroit roots, and a surprising connection to the legendary Eloise Asylum.
From Troy to Hollywood
Born and raised in Troy, Michigan, Marty Klebba didn’t start out wanting to be an actor.
“I grew up in Troy, went to Athens High School, and then attended Oakland Community College,” Klebba shared. “I studied criminal justice because I wanted to be a cop. But halfway through college, a professor told me police departments had height requirements. That ended my law enforcement dream, so I turned my sights elsewhere.”
That “elsewhere” turned out to be Broadway, where Klebba performed for nearly a decade before moving to Los Angeles in the summer of 2000. It wasn’t long before his Hollywood career took off, landing him in major films like Planet of the Apes and The Haunted Mansion.
“I caught a lucky break when I got cast in Planet of the Apes with Mark Wahlberg,” he said. “From there, things just started rolling. Then came Pirates of the Caribbean, which turned into a huge part of my career.”
Pirates, Snow White, and Eloise
While Klebba has made his mark in Hollywood, he also has an unexpected connection to one of Michigan’s most haunted locations—Eloise Asylum. Fans might be surprised to learn that Klebba starred in the 2017 horror movie Eloise, which centers around the infamous psychiatric hospital.
“The funny thing is, we didn’t actually shoot it at Eloise,” Klebba said with a laugh. “We filmed it at the Masonic Temple in Detroit. I’ve never been to the actual Eloise Asylum, so this Friday will be my first time there. I’m a little spooked out, but I’m excited to check it out.”
Klebba’s appearance at Eloise for Fandom Fridays is not just a homecoming, but a chance for fans to meet the actor who helped bring the asylum’s eerie history to the screen.
When asked about his upcoming projects, Klebba had plenty to share. “I just wrapped up filming for Disney’s live-action Snow White, which comes out in March 2025. I play Grumpy, but it’s a mix of live-action and animation. The dwarfs and animals are animated, while the rest is live-action. Gal Gadot is the Evil Queen, and Rachel Zegler is our Snow White. It’s going to be a fantastic movie.”
Klebba is also starring in the sci-fi film The Electric State alongside Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt. In the movie, he plays Pratt’s robot sidekick, Herman. “It was a blast working with Chris Pratt again. He’s one of my favorite people to work with, and this movie will be a lot of fun,” Klebba said.
A Deep Love for Detroit Sports
Despite his Hollywood success, Klebba’s heart remains in Detroit. A lifelong fan of the Tigers, Red Wings, and all things Detroit, he makes it a point to stay connected to his hometown teams.
“There’s nothing I miss more than sitting with my grandpa, listening to Ernie Harwell call Tigers games,” Klebba said. “I’ll be at the Red Wings game tonight, and I’m really excited to be back in town.”
Beyond his love for sports, Klebba is also passionate about giving back. He has been heavily involved in raising money to help families adopt dwarf children from around the world, particularly from places where they are abandoned or mistreated. “It’s something really close to my heart,” he shared.
Paranormal Encounters and Near-Death Experiences
While Marty Klebba hasn’t had any paranormal experiences himself, he revealed two near-death experiences that left a lasting impression.
“I’ve actually died twice,” Klebba said, recounting one experience in Ireland. “I was on the operating table, and I remember looking down at myself while doctors tried to revive me. I saw my wife standing in the doorway crying, and I was trying to tell her, ‘I’m fine! I’m fine!’ It’s one of those things you don’t believe until it happens to you.”
Klebba also shared a second incident during the COVID pandemic when a motorcycle accident led to complications in surgery. “I died on the table due to a mistake with the anesthesia. When I woke up, they told me they had to bring me back,” he said. Despite these harrowing moments, Klebba’s sense of humor and positive outlook remain intact.
Meet Marty Klebba at Fandom Fridays at Eloise
This Friday, Marty Klebba will be at Eloise Asylum for Fandom Fridays, giving fans the opportunity to meet him in person, hear about his incredible career, and maybe even get some insight into the eerie history of Eloise.
“It’s going to be a great night,” Klebba said. “I’m looking forward to seeing everyone and exploring Eloise for the first time.”
Catch Marty Klebba at Eloise Asylum’s Fandom Fridays this Friday from 7 to 10 PM! Whether you’re a fan of his work in Pirates of the Caribbean, curious about his upcoming projects like Snow White and The Electric State, or intrigued by his connection to the Eloise movie, this is an event you won’t want to miss!
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