Whitney Rydbeck, the talented actor known for his role in “Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives,” has sadly left us at the age of 79. He passed away on Monday due to complications from prostate cancer while in hospice care in Chatsworth, California. The news was confirmed by Tommy McLoughlin, the director of the sixth “Friday the 13th” film, who paid tribute to Rydbeck on Instagram.
McLoughlin fondly remembers Rydbeck as not only a funny comedian and actor but also as one of the most genuine and kind-hearted human beings he has ever known. He expressed his sorrow and offered his blessings to the departed actor, saying, “God Bless You and Rest in Peace..Whitney Rydbeck. Our Loss is Heavens’ Gain.”
Born in Los Angeles, Rydbeck attended Pasadena High School, Pasadena City College, and Cal State Fullerton, where he studied theater. He began his acting career with a role in an episode of “Nanny and the Professor” in 1970 and went on to appear in popular shows like “The Brady Bunch,” “MAS*H,” and “Monster Squad,” as well as notable films such as “Love at First Bite,” “Rocky II,” and Steven Spielberg’s “1941.”
Rydbeck’s portrayal of Roy, a paintball soldier in “Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives,” became one of his most memorable performances. In the film, Roy attempts to kill the infamous mass murderer Jason Voorhees but tragically becomes one of his victims instead.
Apart from his acting career, Rydbeck gained recognition as a crash test dummy named “Larry” in seat belt safety public service announcements during the 1980s. In these campaigns, Rydbeck and Tony Reitano portrayed the consequences of not wearing seat belts, depicting the serious damage caused by (fake) car accidents. The commercials concluded with the famous line, “You could learn a lot from a dummy. Buckle your safety belt.”
Rydbeck attributed his success in the commercial role to his experience as a mime. He mentioned that wearing masks during the shoot impaired their vision, hearing, and speech, and jokingly remarked, “God forbid you had to go to the bathroom.” He also emphasized the importance of seat belt usage, stating, “I always buckle up, I’ll tell you that.”
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Rydbeck continued to make his mark in both television and film, appearing in shows such as “7th Heaven,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” “Murder, She Wrote,” “Living Single,” and “Party of Five.” His movie credits included “Oliver & Company,” “A Very Brady Sequel,” and “Murder of Innocence.” After starring in the 2007 short film “The Oates’ Valor,” Rydbeck decided to retire from acting and reportedly became a drama teacher at Pasadena City College.
Whitney Rydbeck’s legacy as a talented actor and kind-hearted individual will be cherished by his fans and colleagues alike. His contributions to the entertainment industry will continue to resonate, and he will always be remembered for the memorable characters he brought to life on screen. May he rest in peace.
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