Bell Witch: The Movie Cast

Betsy Palmer
Betsy Palmer brings the Bell Witch to life with her chilling voice-over performance in Bell Witch: The Movie (2007), her final motion picture role. Widely celebrated as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actresses, Palmer’s career spanned more than five decades across film, television, and stage.

She made her film debut in Mr. Roberts (1955), starring opposite Henry Fonda and Jack Lemmon, and the same year appeared alongside Joan Crawford in Queen Bee. Her screen presence and range quickly established her as a sought-after actress during the 1950s and 1960s. Palmer also gained national recognition as a news reporter on NBC’s The Today Show during the late 1950s, bringing her charisma and intelligence to morning television.

Her television résumé includes an impressive roster of appearances, from anthology classics like Playhouse 90, The Twilight Zone, and The Alfred Hitchcock Hour to numerous daytime dramas and guest spots across prime-time television. On Broadway and regional stages, Palmer proved equally adept, performing in both contemporary plays and classics.

In 1980, Palmer took on the role that would make her an icon in popular culture: Pamela Voorhees, the vengeful mother of Jason, in the original Friday the 13th. That performance not only secured her place in horror history but also earned her enduring status as a beloved “scream queen.”

By the time of Bell Witch: The Movie, Palmer had built a résumé that few of her peers could match — spanning comedy, drama, suspense, and horror. Her chilling narration as the Bell Witch gave the film its haunting atmosphere and marked the culmination of a career that left an indelible impact on American entertainment.

After the film’s Nashville premiere, Palmer collaborated on two Tennessee-based documentaries, including Betsy Palmer: A Scream Queen Legend (2006), an intimate one-on-one interview where she reflected on her Broadway, television, and film career. The documentary was purposely edited to 1 hour and 13 minutes in honor of her Friday the 13th connection. Just months after the documentaries were completed, Palmer passed away, marking the end of her extraordinary career. A further project featuring Palmer remains unreleased, preserving yet another unseen chapter of her story.

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John David Hart
John David Hart portrays John Bell, the devout and tormented patriarch of the Bell family in Bell Witch: The Movie (2007). This role marked his first lead in a feature film, but Hart’s career spans far beyond acting. After moving to Nashville in 1985, he began writing and recording music for Milene Music and MCA Records, where his songwriting talents earned him widespread recognition. Hart wrote the theme song for NBC’s Man of the People, starring James Garner, and performed the timeless “Heartbeat of America” jingle for Chevrolet, which became iconic in its own right.

Hart has appeared in more than 5,000 commercials nationally, showcasing his versatile voice and on-screen presence. He has narrated over 250 audiobooks, voiced 1,500+ TV and radio spots, and acted in over 40 films throughout his career. His body of work spans genres, with credits in commercials, corporate videos, documentaries, and feature films. A sought-after talent in both acting and voiceover, Hart’s extensive portfolio highlights his ability to adapt to a variety of roles across different mediums.

In addition to his voice work and acting, Hart co-founded Tribulation Films, a production company where he also co-created and starred in the web series Social Path. His ability to blend music, narration, and acting across various platforms demonstrates his wide-reaching talents. As a multi-faceted performer, Hart has left a lasting impact on both the entertainment industry and the world of advertising.

Cody Newton
Cody Newton portrays Williams Bell, the adventurous young son of John and Lucy Bell. By the age of fifteen, Newton was already considered a film veteran. He starred in six Hallmark feature films and built an impressive resume that included appearances in The X-Files: The Movie (1998), The Runaway (2000), and The Last Brickmaker in America (2001), where he worked opposite Academy Award–winner Sidney Poitier. Poitier himself praised Newton as “a brilliant young actor and a pleasure to work with,” recognition that underscored his talent at such a young age. The cast and crew of Bell Witch: The Movie agreed, finding Newton’s performance as Williams Bell to bring energy, charm, and authenticity to the role.

Hope Banks
Hope Banks portrays Betsy Bell, the daughter of John and Lucy Bell and the object of much ghostly attention, in Bell Witch: The Movie (2007). A Memphis, Tennessee native, Banks graduated from the University of Tennessee with a B.A. in Speech Pathology. She further honed her artistic talents at the Tennessee Conservatory of Fine Arts, studying ballet, jazz, and modern dance.

Currently based in Los Angeles, Banks has transitioned into acting, producing, and writing. Since relocating to LA, Banks has built an impressive television and film résumé. Her notable television credits include guest roles in Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story (Netflix), Physical (Apple TV+), All Rise (CBS), NCIS (CBS), and Goliath (Amazon Prime), among others. In film, she has appeared in Suburbicon (Paramount Pictures), Mother of Invention, and Enter the Dangerous Mind. Banks has also showcased her talents in web series such as Honey & Joy and Penny and Pru.

Donna K. Pearson
Donna K. Pearson portrays Lucy Bell, the loving and supportive wife of John Bell, in Bell Witch: The Movie (2007). An East Tennessee native, Pearson began her career in theme park entertainment before earning credits on the television series Christy and bringing to life characters in Steel Magnolias, The Crucible, and Driving Miss Daisy on stage.

Since her time in Bell Witch: The Movie, Pearson has continued to pursue her passion for acting and storytelling. She has appeared in various productions, including the film Woman in the Mirror (2013), showcasing her versatility and commitment to her craft. Her dedication to the arts and her community involvement highlight her enduring presence in the entertainment industry..

Todd Geren
Todd Geren portrays Joshua Gardner, a neighboring farmer boy and Betsy Bell’s true love, in Bell Witch: The Movie (2007). A native of Ducktown, Tennessee, Geren began his acting career with a role in the film, which was produced by Big River Pictures and Cinemarr Entertainment.

After his involvement in the film, Geren pursued a career in education and is currently a schoolteacher. In his free time, he enjoys writing, singing, and playing guitar. His philosophy on life is to “never forget that dreams become reality when you take the chance to dance with life,” a belief that has guided his personal and professional journey.

Beverly Gwinn Jones
Beverly Gwinn Jones portrays Kate Batts, a harsh woman whose quirky personality makes her the object of suspicion, in Bell Witch: The Movie (2007). An artist by trade, Jones has been a character actor since high school. However, the stage alone could not hold Jones as she ventured into film in the late 70s with Coal Miner’s Daughter, starring Sissy Spacek, and then made-for-TV movies with Jerry Reed and Andy Griffith.

During the 80s, Jones served as a top retail agent in the record industry, working with legends such as Sting and Bob Seger. These days, Jones has returned to her acting roots, both onscreen in Bell Witch: The Movie and onstage in roles such as Miss Hannigan in Annie. Jones says she returned to acting because, “This was a part that I could throw all of my years of hard work into and bring Kate to life right here in Tennessee.”

Jeff Kunard
Jeff Kunard portrays John Bell, Jr., the responsible eldest son of John and Lucy Bell, in Bell Witch: The Movie (2007). A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point with a B.S. in Operations Research, Kunard's early career was marked by his athletic prowess. He was sponsored and trained by the Army's World Class Athlete Program for the U.S. Olympic Handball Team, showcasing his dedication and discipline.

Transitioning from athletics to entertainment, Kunard ventured into modeling and appeared on the reality television series Temptation Island. His charisma and presence led to acting roles in television series such as Fashion House and Accidentally on Purpose, where he portrayed various characters, demonstrating his versatility as an actor.

In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Kunard has made significant contributions in the nonprofit sector. He serves as the Director of Church Relations at Lifeline Children's Services, an organization dedicated to providing gospel-centered care to vulnerable children around the world. In this role, Kunard works to engage and mobilize churches to support orphan care and adoption initiatives.

Emily Brobst
Emily Brobst portrays the spirit who torments the Bell family unmercifully in Bell Witch: The Movie (2007). Her journey into the film industry began unexpectedly. During her audition at Cinemar Studios, I immediately recognized her potential and hired her on the spot. At just 17, she chose to wait until her 18th birthday to sign the talent releases herself.

Her first on-screen performance involved the infamous tree shot, where she was hung in one of Tennessee's oldest oak trees. This experience ignited her passion for stunt work. Recognizing her enthusiasm, I connected her with the highly accomplished A-list crew members from Bell Witch: The Movie. They took her under their wing, guiding her into the world of stunts and helping her build a successful career.

Since then, Emily has appeared in over 106 major motion pictures, including Godzilla (2014), Django Unchained (2012), The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013), Independence Day: Resurgence (2016), The Walking Dead, and The Highwaymen (Netflix, 2019). Her ability to portray both male and female roles in stunts, due to her smaller stature, made her a standout performer. She later transitioned to acting, showcasing her versatility in various roles.

Emily's rise in the entertainment industry is a testament to her dedication and the guidance she received from the talented crew at Cinemar Studios.

Todd Geren
Todd Geren portrays Joshua Gardner, a neighboring farmer boy and Betsy Bell’s true love, in Bell Witch: The Movie (2007). A native of Ducktown, Tennessee, Geren began his acting career with a role in the film, which was produced by Big River Pictures and Cinemarr Entertainment.

After his involvement in the film, Geren pursued a career in education and is currently a schoolteacher. In his free time, he enjoys writing, singing, and playing guitar. His philosophy on life is to “never forget that dreams become reality when you take the chance to dance with life,” a belief that has guided his personal and professional journey.