‘Friday the 13th’ star Whitney Rydbeck dies at 79

Whitney Rydbeck, known for his performance on Friday the 13th, Part VI: Jason Lives, passed away at the age of 79.

According to Deadline, the American actor died last week after complications of prostate cancer amid hospice care in Chatsworth, California.

Rydbeck, who made a significant impact via a safety PSA, kicked off his TV career by making one-episode appearances in various shows, including Big John, Little John, M*A*S*H, Switch, The Brady Bunch, and more.

One of his most notable roles was Roy from Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives. He played a paintball soldier who fired shots at Jason Voorhes. However, he eventually got murdered by him.

Moreover, his most prominent role is believed to be as a crash test dummy, Larry, in PSAs, asking people to wear seatbelts.

It is pertinent to note that one of Rydbeck’s original outfits ended up in the Smithsonian.

Most recently, the TV and film actor, who appeared in over fifty television and motion picture titles, offered drama lessons at Pasadena City College.

Rydbeck is survived by his longtime partner, Claire.