Jason Voorhees actor Ted White dies aged 96

Ted White, the American actor and stuntman best known for playing the iconic horror character Jason Voorhees in Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter, has passed away in his sleep at the age of 96, Horror Geek Life reports. 

White’s death was revealed in a Facebook post by Sean Clark (producer and host of Horror’s Hallowed Grounds), who described the actor as his “adopted grandpa” and “dear friend”. The two worked together for almost two decades.

“As I’m here setting up at Monsterpalooza I just got hit with the news that my dear friend Ted White has passed away,” Clark wrote. “I was told he passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing him and working with him for close to 20 years. 

“He was my adopted grandpa and hands down the best storyteller you could have ever met. If you haven’t read it yet check out his book Cast a Giant Shadow where many of those stories are told. I was [honoured] to be mentioned in the book when he wrote about his time in the convention world,” Clark continued. “I am going to miss you immensely and those steak dinners we always had. Also teasing you about your red, white [and] blue banner that made you look like you were running for President. It was an absolute [honour] my friend. Rest easy. Love you Ted.”

As Gizmodo writes, White was asked to reprise his role as Jason in both Friday the 13th: A New Beginning and Jason Lives, but declined. However, he later appeared in two Friday the 13th documentary films directed by Daniel Farrands - 2009’s His Name Was Jason: 30 Years of Friday the 13th, and Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday the 13th in 2013.

Our thoughts go out to White’s family and friends at this time - may he rest in peace.