Whitney Rydbeck died on Monday in Chatsworth, California, from complications from prostate cancer, The Hollywood Reporter reported, citing longtime friend Tommy McLoughlin.
The versatile actor, known for his comedic talents and physical mime performances, passed away at the age of 79 while receiving treatment in a California hospice. according to In The Hollywood Reporter.
'Friday the 13th' actor and seatbelt crash test dummy Whitney Rydbeck dies at 79 https://t.co/EvdtDrhhZE
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) July 20, 2024
McLoughlin paid tribute to Rydbeck on social media.
“Not only have we lost a truly funny comedian and actor, but we have lost one of the most kind-hearted human beings I have ever known. God bless you. Rest in Peace Whitney Rydbeck. Our loss is heaven's gain,” the 'Jason Lives: Friday the 13th Part 6' director said. I have written On Instagram.
According to the media, born in Los Angeles on March 13, 1945, Rydbeck's passion for performing arts led him to Pasadena High School, Pasadena City College, and finally California State University, Fullerton, where he studied drama. His early career included performing with the Richmond Shepherd Mime Troupe and the LA Mime Company, where he honed his skills in physical comedy.
Rydbeck's career has been marked by a wide range of roles in television and film. He played Roy, the final paintball victim, in the third installment of the “Friday the 13th” series, “Jason Lives” in 1986. Outside of film, Rydbeck was one of the first crash test dummies in a public service campaign promoting seat belt safety, according to the outlet. (RELATED: Legendary comedian Bob Newhart dies at 94)
Along with Tony Reitano as Vince, Rydbeck's Larry demonstrated the humorous dangers of not wearing a seat belt. The campaign's tagline, “You can learn a lot from a dummy,” became a cultural catchphrase in the mid-1980s, according to the outlet.
According to the outlet, Rydbeck appeared in numerous TV shows throughout his career, including “The Brady Bunch,” “M*A*S*H,” “Cagney & Lacey,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and “Scrubs.” In Woody Allen's “Sleeper” (1973), Rydbeck and McLoughlin showed off their mime skills as mute robots in a futuristic setting.
Rydbeck's survivors include his partner of 10 years, Claire;
