Paul T. Taylor: The Man Behind the Pins and a Cult Horror Icon

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Few faces are as hauntingly iconic in the world of horror as that of Pinhead, the demonic leader of the Cenobites in Clive Barker’s Hellraiser universe. And while Doug Bradley originally brought the role to life, it was Paul T. Taylor who dared to don the pins in 2018’s Hellraiser: Judgment, ushering the legendary villain into a new chapter for a new generation of horror fans. His performance captured the cold intellect, sadistic elegance, and terrifying calm that fans had come to love—earning him a place in the horror pantheon.

But Taylor’s talents extend far beyond the hellish dimension of the Hellraiser universe. With roles in films like Sin City, Super, and various television and stage productions, Taylor is a versatile performer who has spent decades sharpening his craft across genres. Still, it’s his role as Pinhead that connected him deeply to the horror culture community—a passionate, loyal audience that celebrates practical effects, psychological depth, and the actors who bring monsters to life.

Embraced by the Horror Community
Within the horror scene, Taylor is more than an actor—he’s become a fan-favorite guest at conventions, signings, and horror-themed events around the country. He embraces the community with the same authenticity that fans bring to him, never shying away from the impact his portrayal of Pinhead has had. Whether it’s discussing the philosophy of horror, the craftsmanship of effects work, or just sharing behind-the-scenes stories, Taylor brings heart and humility to a genre that’s often misunderstood by outsiders.

He’s set to make an appearance at one of Missouri’s biggest pop culture events, the ToyMan Show in St. Charles, MO, on Sunday, July 13, 2025. This massive gathering of collectors, fans, cosplayers, and creators will give attendees a chance to meet Paul T. Taylor in person—snap photos, get autographs, and dive into the dark lore of Hellraiser and beyond. He’ll join other celebrity guests at this two-level celebration of all things toys, comics, horror, and nostalgia.

The Barn Appearance: A Conversation with Tippy Jo
Ahead of the ToyMan Show, Taylor sat down with Chad Winch and Brett Wiley of The Tippy Jo Show on The Barn Podcast Network for an exclusive and wide-ranging conversation. The episode dives deep into Taylor’s time preparing for the role of Pinhead, his experiences on set, and his thoughts on how the horror genre has evolved over time. With genuine humor and insight, Taylor opens up about what it’s like to become part of such a beloved (and feared) franchise—and what the future holds for him both inside and outside the horror realm.

Whether you know him as Pinhead, a performer from Sin City, or simply as a devote

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This episode is sponsored by www.betterhelp.com/TheBarn and brought to you as always by The Barn Media Group.

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