A famous nerd is back in town.
Known for his role as Booger in 'Revenge of the Nerds', Curtis Armstrong has returned to Tucson for a visit, a whopping 33 years later. Since the movie's filming locations were shot right here in the old pueblo, KGUN9 had the unique opportunity to take a tour with the actor to discuss the role that made him famous.
LOCATION ONE: MEMORIAL FOUNTAIN
Address: 1200 E. University Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85721
This is the scene, where Gilbert was tossed into the Memorial Fountain. Armstrong says that it was freezing that night. "It was the middle of the night, and Anthony and the late Bernie Casey were running like 104 fevers." Armstrong believes this scene was very significant in 'Revenge of the Nerds', since this is the moment that the characters embrace being nerds.
LOCATION TWO: SCHOOL DROP OFF
Address: Just West of 1200 E. University Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85721
This scene happens near the beginning of the movie. Lewis and Anthony are dropped off at Adams College by James Cromwell ('The Green Mile', 'The Artist'), and he gives the kids a send off, wishing them well at school.
LOCATION THREE: NERD DORM
Address: 1018 E. South Campus Ave., Tucson, AZ 85705
Cochise Hall or the nerd dorm, is the first scene, which Armstrong acted in, during shooting. He still remembers standing on the steps with the cast in their pajamas and underwear. This scene happens just prior to the nerds being forced to live in the Bear Down gym.
LOCATION FOUR: ALPHA BETA HOUSE
Address: 638 E. University Blvd, Tucson AZ, 85705
The Alpha Beta Fraternity in the movie is actually the Beta Theta Pi House, located on University Blvd. In this scene, the fraternity members are seen chanting from the roof, as Ogre drops a nerd. This is also when the fraternity party takes place.
LOCATION FIVE: TRI LAM HOUSE
Address: 931 N. 5th Ave., Tucson AZ, 85705
This house is used within the movie, when the nerds are fixing up the house. The scene was significant, because this was the exterior house used when all of the pigs were dropped off at the party. Armstrong says he has watch 'Revenge of the Nerds' a lot, and he is a fan of the movie, so being back in Tucson seeing these houses makes him emotional. When he talks to fans, he has learned that this movie has made an impact in so many lives.
Fun fact! Armstrong says many of the interior scenes were shot at Old Tucson Studios.
Do you have a 'Totally Tucson' idea you want to share? Email stephanie.dunlap@kgun9.com
