Whitney Rydbeck, the actor known for his memorable roles in “Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives” and “MAS*H,” has sadly passed away at the age of 79. He left us on Monday due to complications from prostate cancer while under the care of hospice in Chatsworth, California.
Tommy McLoughlin, the director of the sixth “Friday the 13th” film, confirmed the news of Rydbeck’s passing to The Hollywood Reporter. McLoughlin also paid tribute to the late actor on Instagram, describing him as not just a hilarious comedian and actor, but also “one of the most good-hearted human beings” he had ever known.
Rydbeck, born in Los Angeles, embarked on his acting journey after studying theater at Cal State Fullerton, following his education at Pasadena High School and Pasadena City College. He even started his artistic career as a mime, showcasing his versatility. His IMDb credits reveal that his acting debut was in an episode of “Nanny and the Professor” in 1970.
Throughout the next ten years, Rydbeck achieved fame with his appearances in popular shows such as “The Brady Bunch,” “MAS*H,” and “Monster Squad.” He also graced the big screen with his presence in films like “Love at First Bite,” “Rocky II,” and Steven Spielberg’s “1941.” However, it was his portrayal of Roy, the valiant paintball soldier in “Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives,” that captured the hearts of horror fans.
Beyond his on-screen achievements, Rydbeck became well-known for his role as a crash test dummy named “Larry” in seat belt safety PSAs during the 1980s. In these ads, he and Tony Reitano portrayed the consequences of not wearing a seat belt through (fake) car accidents. The PSAs concluded with the iconic line, “You could learn a lot from a dummy. Buckle your safety belt.” Rydbeck’s background as a mime proved beneficial for this commercial role, despite the challenges of limited sight, hearing, and speech while wearing the mask.
In an interview with The Washington Post in 2010, Rydbeck humorously recalled his experience as a crash test dummy and shared his commitment to buckling up. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he continued to entertain audiences with his appearances in shows such as “7th Heaven,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” “Murder, She Wrote,” “Living Single,” and “Party of Five.” He also made memorable contributions to movies like “Oliver & Company,” “A Very Brady Sequel,” and “Murder of Innocence.”
After his last film, the short 2007 production “The Oates’ Valor,” Rydbeck decided to retire from acting. More recently, he dedicated his time to teaching drama at Pasadena City College, leaving a lasting impact on aspiring performers.
Whitney Rydbeck’s talent, kindness, and humor will be deeply missed by his fans and colleagues alike. May he rest in peace, knowing that his legacy will continue to inspire and entertain for generations to come.
