Otho Fenlock is Delia Deetz’s former best friend. He’s the secondary antagonist of Beetlejuice.
Personality[]
Otho presents himself to be more successful than he actually is, often referring to past career failures as experience and success, though he seems to genuinely believe this despite the obvious. He seems to depend on the limelight for his own ego, Otho can commonly be seen pandering to those of higher status than himself to gain approval, and boost his own status, such as when he compliments art work of his employer.
When Beetlejuice alters Otho's outfit into a summer suit, Otho is clearly mortified at the embarrassment, and runs away screaming.
History[]
Otho mentions to Delia Deetz that he was schooled in chemistry and he was a hair analyst briefly. After his stint with the Living Theatre, Otho was one of New York City's leading paranormal researchers, "until the bottom dropped out in '72."
Trivia[]
There's actually a good reason this article lists his name as "Otho Fenlock" despite most people not knowing his last name, and his last name not appearing in the film's credits. After the dance sequence and subsequent Deetz family meeting where they plan to use the ghosts as a theme attraction, they all storm the stairway to the attic as Otho quips about calling his part of the proposed attraction "Otho Fenlock's Locked-Door Ghosts." For context on where to find this scene, he says this before Delia begins angrily banging on the attic door and shouting slurs about the deceased (i.e. "Open this door, you dead people, or we'll bust it down and we'll drag you out by the ropes you hanged yourselves with!").
An action figure of Otho was released as part of Kenner's Beetlejuice action figure line. His head can be removed to reveal a terrified cylindrical head underneath. He comes with a Loathsome Lizard creature accessory.
Gallery[]
