Brooke Smith, best known for her role as Catherine Martin in the Oscar‑winning thriller The Silence of the Lambs, stopped in Perryopolis, Pennsylvania, on Friday to honor the film’s 35th anniversary. The actress toured the historic Buffalo Bill house, the very location where several iconic scenes were filmed, and spent time with local fans who have kept the movie’s legacy alive for three decades.
Local fans welcome Hollywood star
Residents of Perryopolis and the surrounding Fayette County area gathered outside the Buffalo Bill house early Saturday morning, eager to catch a glimpse of the actress who helped bring the suspenseful drama to life. “It’s mostly fun to see how everybody enjoys it so much, because it’s a great movie, and how fun to get to sort of be part of it,” Smith said, smiling as she signed autographs and posed for photos.
The house, a preserved historic site, has long been a pilgrimage spot for film enthusiasts. The building’s stone façade and period furnishings appear in the film’s opening sequence, where Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) first meets Buffalo Bill. Smith’s visit highlighted the enduring appeal of the movie, which won five Academy Awards in 1992, including Best Picture.
Smith reflects on career impact
During a brief interview with local media, Smith explained how the role shaped her acting career. “The movie was a turning point for me,” she said. “It opened doors and gave me the confidence to pursue more challenging roles.” She added that the experience of returning to the set after so many years felt “like something in between” theater and film, noting the unique energy that fans bring to the historic location.
Fans echoed Smith’s sentiment, describing the house as a living museum of cinematic history. “It’s not just a building; it’s a piece of film heritage,” said longtime resident Mark Davis, who has organized annual viewings of the movie at the local community center. “Seeing Brooke here makes it feel like the story is still alive for a new generation.”
Community benefits from the visit
The actress’s appearance generated a modest boost to local businesses. Nearby diners reported increased traffic, and the Perryopolis Historical Society noted a surge in interest for guided tours of the Buffalo Bill house. The society plans to host a special screening of The Silence of the Lambs later this fall, hoping to attract both longtime fans and newcomers.
Mayor Lisa Carter praised the event as a reminder of Perryopolis’s cultural relevance. “We’re proud to host a piece of film history and to welcome a talented actress who helped make that history unforgettable,” Carter said. She also highlighted the town’s commitment to preserving historic sites, noting recent grant funding that will aid in the house’s ongoing restoration.
Looking ahead
Smith’s visit underscores the lasting impact of classic cinema on small‑town America. As the 35th anniversary passes, the Buffalo Bill house remains a focal point for fans and a source of pride for Perryopolis. The community looks forward to future events that celebrate both its heritage and the broader cultural contributions of Pennsylvania’s historic landmarks.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
