Whitney Rydbeck — an actor known for his appearance in the film ‘Friday the 13th’ and several other major comedy series — has died… according to his longtime friend.
The actor passed away early last week in response to his friend, the director Tommy McLoughlinwho posted the information a few days ago… saying that the world has lost a very funny, comical and kind-hearted friend.
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O Hollywood Reporter spoke to McCloughlin as well… who told them he died of prostate cancer problems while in hospice care in Chatsworth, California.
Whitney began his acting career in the early 1970s, making small, one-off appearances on shows such as “The Brady Bunch,” “Big John, Little John,” “M*A*S*H,” and “Change.” He continued to make major TV appearances on shows such as “Third Rock From the Sun” and “Scrubs” throughout his life.
Horror fans will remember his hilarious portrayal of Roy in “Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives,” a paintball player who shoots Jason Voorhees but ends up being murdered by the villain.
His various film roles include “1941,” “Rocky II,” “Oliver and Company,” and a stint as a silent robot in Woody Allen“Sleeper,” where he put his mimicry skills to use.
Whitney later made a much bigger impact away from mainstream movies and TV… starring as crash test dummy Larry in public service announcements urging people to wear seat belts.
The commercials were so important that one of Rydbeck’s original costumes ended up in the Smithsonian.
Most recently, Rydbeck taught drama at Pasadena City School. He is survived by his longtime partner, clear.
Rydbeck was 79 years old.
TO TEAR APART
Opposite ‘M*A*S*H’ and ‘Friday the Thirteenth’ Actor Whitney Rydbeck Useless at 79 first appeared on All celebrities.