The entertainment industry is mourning the loss of a true icon, Whitney Rydbeck, who passed away at the age of 79 after a battle with prostate cancer. Rydbeck, best known for his role as Roy, the ill-fated paintball soldier in the 1986 slasher film “Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives,” left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans and colleagues alike.
Born in Los Angeles, Rydbeck’s path to stardom was anything but conventional. After attending Pasadena High School and Pasadena City College, he went on to study theater at Cal State Fullerton. It was during this time that he discovered his passion for mime, a skill that would later prove invaluable in his acting career.
Rydbeck’s acting debut came in 1970 with a guest appearance on the TV series “Nanny and the Professor.” Over the next decade, he went on to land roles in a variety of popular shows, including “The Brady Bunch,” “MAS*H,” and “Monster Squad.” His filmography also boasted credits in movies like “Love at First Bite,” “Rocky II,” and Steven Spielberg’s “1941.”
Rydbeck’s most memorable role, however, came in 1986 when he portrayed the ill-fated Roy in “Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives.” As the hapless paintball soldier who tried, and failed, to take down the infamous mass murderer Jason Voorhees, Rydbeck’s performance left an indelible mark on the horror franchise.
In addition to his acting career, Rydbeck was also known for his work as a crash test dummy in a series of influential seat belt safety PSAs during the 1980s. Alongside his co-star Tony Reitano, Rydbeck donned the “Vince and Larry” costumes and demonstrated the importance of buckling up, often to humorous and dramatic effect.
Rydbeck’s acting career spanned over four decades, with roles in a wide range of television shows and films. He retired from acting in 2007 after appearing in the short film “The Oates’ Valor.” In his later years, Rydbeck reportedly worked as a drama teacher at Pasadena City College, sharing his wealth of experience and passion for the arts with the next generation of performers.
The news of Rydbeck’s passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from his former co-stars and industry colleagues. Tommy McLoughlin, the director of “Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives,” praised Rydbeck as a “truly funny comedian and actor” and a “good-hearted human being.”
Whitney Rydbeck’s life and career were a true testament to the power of perseverance, talent, and a genuine love for the art of acting. From his humble beginnings as a mime to his iconic roles in film and television, Rydbeck left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. His passing is a profound loss, but his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the countless laughs he provoked. Rest in peace, Whitney Rydbeck, and thank you for the memories.
