The iconic figure of Freddy Krueger, known for his striped sweater and glove adorned with knives, may have roots in a true story. Indeed, the character portrayed by Robert Englund in A Nightmare on Elm Street was not solely a creation of Wes Craven's imagination; rather, it drew inspiration from real-life events. Just when one might think the notion of Freddy invading dreams and inflicting gruesome deaths could not be more terrifying, it appears there was a genuine dream killer causing distress during the 1980s.

A Nightmare on Elm Street follows a group of teenagers from the Midwest who find themselves ensnared in a shared nightmare: a man named Freddy Krueger stalks them while they sleep. This grotesquely disfigured figure murders individuals within their dreams, leading to their demise in reality. The only means of evading Krueger's deadly grasp is to remain awake at all costs; otherwise, the chilling refrain one, two, Freddy's coming for you" becomes a grim reality.

The franchise comprises eight films, including a crossover titled Freddy vs. Jason, as well as a 2010 remake of the original film, which is best left forgotten. The legacy of Freddy Krueger stands as one of the most enduring in horror history, proving that such legacies are immortal. So, what led to the emergence of this sardonic and malevolent child murderer? The Los Angeles Times deserves credit for that.

The Real-Life Inspiration Behind A Nightmare on Elm Street