Breaking Fate Hall of Fame

The Breaking Fate Hall of Fame honors those extraordinary individuals whose passion, creativity, and unwavering support have left a lasting mark on the worlds of art, film, and entertainment. These are not only artists and entertainers, they are champions of the creative spirit, lifting others as they climb and shaping the future of independent artistry.

Inductees into the Hall of Fame have gone above and beyond, not just in their own work, but in their commitment to building a thriving, inclusive, and fiercely original creative community.

Here, we celebrate the legends, the game-changers, the misfits who made magic and made sure others could too.

🏆 Breaking Fate Hall of Fame 🏆

Celebrating outstanding individuals who have shaped, supported, and inspired the independent art and entertainment world through their creativity, leadership, and passion.

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🎖 Willy Adkins

Inducted: 2018
Event: Breaking Fate Night of Premieres
Location: DeKalb, IL
Nominated by: Tom McNicholas
Inducted by: Wolf McKinney

Bio:
Founder of Breaking Fate Entertainment, Willy is a director, producer, actor, event organizer, and advocate for independent creators. His contributions to horror and indie film have lifted up countless artists across decades of work.

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🎖 Dragon Alexander

Inducted: 2015
Event: Chicago Horror Film Festival
Location: Chicago, IL
Nominated by: Willy Adkins
Inducted by: Willy Adkins

Bio:
Founder of Blackwood X Productions and a passionate horror filmmaker, Dragon has been instrumental in uplifting the genre and independent storytellers across the Midwest.

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🎖 Mykal Alexander Rodriguez

Inducted: 2014
Event: Chicago Horror Film Festival
Location: Chicago, IL
Nominated by: Willy Adkins
Inducted by: Willy Adkins

Bio:
Mykal made a name early as a dedicated stage and screen performer. His induction recognized both his talent and his commitment to the community at a young age.

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🎖 Anita Nicole Brown

Inducted: 2015
Event: Indie Horror Film Festival
Location: Chicago, IL
Nominated by: Willy Adkins
Inducted by: Willy Adkins

Bio:
Actress and producer, Anita Nicole Brown has shone in indie horror both on screen and behind the camera. Her performance in A Woman and A Gun and her dedication to fellow artists earned her this honor.

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🎖 Jason R. Davis

Inducted: September 30, 2012
Event: Chicago Horror Film Festival
Location: Portage Theater, Chicago, IL
Nominated by: Willy Adkins
Inducted by: Willy Adkins
Award Presented By: Spook Show Entertainment

Bio:
Founder of the Chicago Horror Film Festival and author of Invisible Spiders, Jason has been a major figure in horror literature and film. His support for local creators and festivals made him the first Hall of Fame inductee.

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🎖 Tank Hurley

Inducted: June 3, 2017
Event: Smoky Mountain Film Festival
Location: Greystone Lodge, Gatlinburg, TN
Nominated by: Willy Adkins
Inducted by: Jeff Phoenix

Bio:
A former professional wrestler turned indie horror actor and filmmaker, Tank is known for his energy, dedication, and support for genre film in all forms.

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🎖 Wolf McKinney

Inducted: 2015
Event: Prairie State Film Festival
Location: Carl Schurz High School, Chicago, IL
Nominated by: Willy Adkins
Inducted by: Willy Adkins

Bio:
Director, actor, and editor, Wolf’s unique visual style and storytelling have influenced numerous Breaking Fate projects and inspired creatives throughout the community.

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🎖 Tom McNicholas

Inducted: 2014
Event: Prairie State Film Festival
Location: Carl Schurz High School, Chicago, IL
Nominated by: Willy Adkins
Inducted by: Willy Adkins

Bio:
A dedicated supporter of independent film, Tom has been a behind-the-scenes force, providing guidance, leadership, and consistent encouragement to the Breaking Fate community.

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🎖 Suzzanne Monk

Inducted: 2014
Event: Laugh or Die Comedy Fest
Location: Carl Schurz High School, Chicago, IL
Nominated by: Willy Adkins
Inducted by: Wolf McKinney

Bio:
Performer and producer Suzzanne Monk has been a strong voice in creative and political circles. Her work to empower artists and amplify unique voices made her an ideal Hall of Fame honoree.

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🎖 Michael Schmid

Inducted: June 6, 2015
Event: Laugh or Die Comedy Fest
Location: Portage Theater, Chicago, IL
Nominated by: Willy Adkins
Inducted by: Willy Adkins

Bio:
Co-founder of 4Lizard Productions, former Breaking Fate operations officer, and credited on over 100 indie films, Michael’s influence spans acting, directing, editing, and more. He was also the original host of Laugh or Die.

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🎖 Chuck Winstead-Brown

Inducted: 2018
Event: Smoky Mountain Film Festival
Location: Greystone Lodge, Gatlinburg, TN
Nominated by: Willy Adkins
Inducted by: Willy Adkins

Bio:
Chuck has been a passionate actor and steadfast creative partner. His warmth and humor have brightened countless productions and inspired many.

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🎖 Jay Warren (Dennis Wolkowicz)

Inducted: 2017
Event: Chicago Horror Film Festival
Location: Chicago, IL
Nominated by: Willy Adkins
Inducted by: Willy Adkins

Bio:
Legendary silent film organist Jay Warren brought horror classics to life with live scores for decades. He helped restore the Portage Theater and served as a cultural anchor for Chicago’s indie horror scene.