The entertainment industry has lost a shining star with the passing of Whitney Rydbeck, a gifted actor best known for his role in “Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives.” Rydbeck’s remarkable journey came to an end at the age of 79, due to complications from prostate cancer.
Director Tommy McLoughlin, who worked with Rydbeck on the sixth “Friday the 13th” film, paid a heartfelt tribute to the actor on Instagram. McLoughlin fondly remembered Rydbeck as a talented comedian, genuine, and kind-hearted individual who left an indelible mark on the industry.
Born in Los Angeles, Rydbeck’s passion for theater led him to study at Cal State Fullerton. His acting career spanned over four decades, with notable roles in popular shows like “The Brady Bunch,” “MAS*H,” and “Monster Squad,” as well as films like “Love at First Bite,” “Rocky II,” and Steven Spielberg’s “1941.”
Rydbeck’s portrayal of Roy in “Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives” remains one of his most memorable performances. He also gained recognition as a crash test dummy named “Larry” in seat belt safety public service announcements during the 1980s.
Throughout his career, Rydbeck continued to make his mark in both television and film, appearing in shows like “7th Heaven,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” and “Murder, She Wrote.” After retiring from acting in 2007, Rydbeck became a drama teacher at Pasadena City College.