The entertainment world has lost a beloved figure. Whitney Rydbeck, best known for his memorable role in “Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives,” passed away at the age of 79. He succumbed to complications from prostate cancer while in hospice care in Chatsworth, California, last Monday.
Tommy McLoughlin, the director of the sixth “Friday the 13th” film, confirmed the sad news to The Hollywood Reporter and shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. “We lost not only a truly funny comedian and actor but one of the most good-hearted human beings I’ve ever known,” McLoughlin, 74, wrote. “God Bless You and Rest in Peace, Whitney Rydbeck. Our loss is Heaven’s gain.”
Rydbeck, a Los Angeles native, pursued his passion for acting early on. He attended Pasadena High School, Pasadena City College, and Cal State Fullerton, where he honed his skills in theater. Before making his mark in Hollywood, he even explored the art of mime.
His acting debut came in 1970 with an episode of “Nanny and the Professor,” according to his IMDb profile. Over the next decade, Rydbeck became a familiar face on television, appearing in popular shows like “The Brady Bunch,” “M*A*S*H,” and “Monster Squad.” His film credits include roles in “Love at First Bite,” “Rocky II,” and Steven Spielberg’s “1941.”
In 1986, Rydbeck took on the role of Roy in “Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives.” He played a paintball soldier who met a grisly end at the hands of the infamous Jason Voorhees. This role cemented his place in horror movie history and left a lasting impression on fans of the genre.
Beyond his film and TV roles, Rydbeck was also known for his work in public service announcements. In the 1980s, he portrayed “Larry,” a crash test dummy in seat belt safety PSAs. These commercials, which ended with the iconic line, “You could learn a lot from a dummy. Buckle your safety belt,” became a memorable part of 1980s pop culture.
Rydbeck’s mime experience proved invaluable for the role. In a 2010 interview with the Washington Post, he shared that the masks they wore in the PSAs made it impossible to hear, see, or talk. “God forbid you had to go to the bathroom,” he joked. Despite the challenges, he always buckled up, a lesson he took to heart from the campaign.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Rydbeck continued to grace the small screen with appearances in shows like “7th Heaven,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” “Murder, She Wrote,” “Living Single,” and “Party of Five.” His film work included voice roles in “Oliver & Company,” and parts in “A Very Brady Sequel” and “Murder of Innocence.”
Rydbeck retired from acting after his role in the 2007 short film “The Oates’ Valor.” More recently, he dedicated his time to teaching drama at Pasadena City College, sharing his wealth of experience with the next generation of actors.
Whitney Rydbeck’s legacy is one of versatility and dedication, both on and off the screen. His contributions to entertainment and education will be remembered fondly by fans, colleagues, and students alike. As we bid farewell to this talented actor, we honor the joy and laughter he brought into our lives. Rest in peace, Whitney Rydbeck. Your legacy will live on.