Maila Elizabeth Syrjäniemi (December 11, 1922 – January 10, 2008), [1] known professionally as Maila Nurmi, was an American actress best known for creating the camp 1950s character Vampira. She …

Many actors spend decades building impressive careers, but all Maila Nurmi needed was one night to create a legend. Most famous as the woman behind Vampira, television’s first horror host, Nurmi's …

The original glamour ghoul herself, "Vampira", of late night 1950s television, was actually born Maila Syrjäniemi (later changed to the easier surname Nurmi) on December 11, 1922 in Gloucester, …

Oct 11, 2023 · Dubbed "Vampira" by Nurmi's husband, the first TV horror hostess was born. Lounging on a Victorian sofa in her candlelit "attic," Nurmi as Vampira introduced B-grade horror in her …

Apr 30, 2024 · Known as TV’s first horror host and one of the original goth icons, Vampira’s impact on the medium and pop culture far exceeded her relatively limited onscreen career.

Dec 7, 2025 · In a very short time, Maila officially became Vampira to host a show presenting horror movies each Saturday night at 11 PM. Needless to say, her singular features, subtle humor and faux …

Apr 16, 2025 · Vampira, played by Maila Nurmi, was a horror hostess who introduced and commented on low-budget horror movies on her show, which aired from 1956. The character was known for her …