Actor Whitney Rydbeck, best known for his role in Friday the 13th: Jason Lives, has died at the age of 79 after complications from prostate cancer at a hospice facility in Chatsworth, California.
Director Tommy McLoughlin shared the news, describing Rydbeck as a talented comedian, actor, and kind-hearted person.
Rydbeck’s career began in the 1970s and included guest roles in popular TV shows such as Star Trek: The Next Generation, MASH*, The A-Team, Knight Rider, Scrubs, and Murder, She Wrote. He also appeared in films like The Kentucky Fried Movie (1977) and The Nude Bomb (1980).
Beyond acting, he was known for public safety ads as crash test dummy “Larry,” promoting seat belt use. In later years, he taught drama at Pasadena City College. He is survived by his partner, Claire.
Rest in peace.