Whitney Rydbeck, a renowned actor recognized for his role in the horror film “Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives,” has passed away at 79. The actor succumbed to complications from prostate cancer last Monday while under hospice care in Chatsworth, California. Tommy McLoughlin, the director of the sixth installment of the “Friday the 13th” series, confirmed Rydbeck’s passing.
McLoughlin, 74, took to Instagram to pay tribute to the late actor. He expressed his sorrow over the loss of not just a talented comedian and actor, but also a person with a kind heart. McLoughlin’s tribute ended with a heartfelt message, stating that Rydbeck’s departure was a loss for the world but a gain for heaven.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Rydbeck was a product of Pasadena High School and Pasadena City College. He furthered his education at Cal State Fullerton, where he pursued theater studies. Rydbeck’s interest in performing arts led him to become a mime before he ventured into acting.
Rydbeck’s acting career began with a role in the 1970 episode of “Nanny and the Professor.” Over the next ten years, he secured roles in popular shows such as “The Brady Bunch,” “MAS*H,” and “Monster Squad.” His filmography includes appearances in “Love at First Bite,” “Rocky II,” and Steven Spielberg’s “1941.”
In the 1986 horror film “Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives,” Rydbeck portrayed Roy, a paintball soldier who attempts to kill the infamous Jason Voorhees, only to become one of his victims. Rydbeck also gained recognition for his role as a crash test dummy named “Larry” in seat belt safety public service announcements during the 1980s. In these commercials, Rydbeck and co-star Tony Reitano illustrated the severe consequences of not wearing seat belts in simulated car accidents.
Rydbeck’s acting credits in the 1980s and 1990s include shows like “7th Heaven,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” “Murder, She Wrote,” “Living Single,” and “Party of Five.” He also appeared in films such as “Oliver & Company,” “A Very Brady Sequel,” and “Murder of Innocence.” Rydbeck retired from acting after his role in the 2007 short film “The Oates’ Valor.” In his later years, he reportedly served as a drama teacher at Pasadena City College.