Cover Photo: IMDb
Photo: IMDb
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This spooky season, brush up on your horror flick knowledge and learn more about the history of the iconic Chucky doll
Don Mancini's horror creation has proven to be iconic as the years go by. The character has been killed off and brought back many times as seen in the Child's Play series, Bride of Chucky, Seed of Chucky, Curse of Chucky, and Cult of Chucky.
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But while the doll's journey of slashing every being that gets in his way continues, his complete origin story remains a mystery. However, after binging all Chucky movies, including some episodes of the new eponymous series, we've pieced together an overview of the infamous slasher doll we know and love today.
Alex Vincent as Andy Barclay with Chucky in Child's Play, 1988. (Photo: IMDb)
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Charles “Chucky” Lee Ray
Childhood
Before Chucky had the body of a Good Guy doll, a famous plaything for kids, he was also a child once who lived with two loving parents in Hackensack, New Jersey as mentioned in Bride of Chucky and Chucky.
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However, Ray wasn't exactly as innocent as the other kids. In Chucky (2021), the doll shares the story of his first kill which dates back to his childhood, proving that some people are born killers. He then reveals that his first victim was his own mother.
Above Photo: Chucky / USA / SyFy
Photo: Chucky / USA / SyFy
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Lakeshore Strangler
He later grew up to be the infamous Lakeshore Strangler named Charles "Chucky" Lee Ray who terrorised Chicago in the 80s. We are able to get a brief look at the slasher's original adult form during the opening scene in Child's Play (1988) before he transfers his soul to a Good Guy doll.
Ray, as it turns out, is not only responsible for the murder of 22 people but has also participated in wicked voodoo traditions as a student of his mentor, John Bishop. This explains why he wears a voodoo amulet called the Heart of Damballa which he later uses to perform a ritual for swapping souls.
Although Ray knows the Damballa chant which allows the swapping of souls by heart, the slasher isn't quite familiar with the limitations and consequences of the spell.
Above Brad Dourif as Charles "Chucky" Lee Ray who voices the infamous doll, Chucky. (Photo: IMDb)
Brad Dourif as Charles "Chucky" Lee Ray who voices the infamous doll, Chucky. (Photo: IMDb)
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How Chucky Became a Doll
How It Started
Ray is initially seen running from esteemed detective Mike Norris of the Chicago Police Department. With the authorities on his tail, Ray aimlessly shoots at Norris as he runs towards his accomplice, Caputo, in a getaway car. But Norris takes a shot and wounds Ray. Eddie then bails and drives off without his partner.
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A desperate and limp Ray turns the other way, looking for a place to hide, and ends up in a toy store. Hiding behind tall boxes of Good Guy dolls buys him enough time to come up with another escape plan.
Before Norris is able to locate the wounded slasher, Ray grabs the nearest doll and performs an incantation that will transfer his soul to the talking doll. At first, his motive was to get his revenge. But it eventually evolves into wanting to transfer his soul to Andy Barclay, the first person he revealed himself to. The rest is history.
Above Photo: IMDb
Photo: IMDb
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How It's Going
Chucky has fought to the death just to become human again but has failed miserably several times. At some point, the doll has accepted his fate and moved onto refocusing his energy on tormenting almost every person he encounters.
However, in Chucky, ongoing new series where most of the original actors return including Brad Dourif, the original voice of Chucky, Mancini aims to explore more of Ray's childhood.
Hopefully, we'll get to unravel more of the Lakeshore Strangler's history in the next few episodes.
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Christine Andas is a features writer and the style lead of Tatler Philippines. She mostly covers style-related content but enjoys writing about space, sneakers, and her favourite stars. She acquired a master's degree in Creative Writing at the University of Santo Tomas and has written young adult short stories which can be read online.
