Michael Myers actor George P. Wilbur has died, aged 81

George P. Wilbur, actor and professional stunt performer who was praised for his performance as Michael Myers in Halloween 4, passed away last week. He was 81 years old.

Wilbur's lengthy career started in the 1960s, when he got his first gig for stunt work on Howard Hawk's El Dorado. Then, he went on to score work on Planet of the Apes, Conquest of the Planet of the Apes, Blacula, The Poseidon Adventure, The Hindenburg, Grizzly and Beyond the Poseidon Adventure into the '70s.

I mean it when I say it that Wilbur has a list credits in films and TV shows across the decades that is longer than both of your arms together. However, it was his portrayal of Michael Myers in Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers in 1988 that terrified the very souls of viewers. After that, he also would assist on Tales from the Crypt, A Nightmare on Elm Street: The Dream Child and work as a stunt player on Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers.

"With a heavy heart, we say goodbye to one of the greatest actors to ever don the Michael Myers mask, Mr. George P. Wilbur. A gentle giant of a man, George was much beloved by his fans, friends, and colleagues. Thank you for the memories, sir," said the official Twitter account for the Halloween series of films.

With a heavy heart, we say goodbye to one of the greatest actors to ever don the Michael Myers mask, Mr. George P. Wilbur. A gentle giant of a man, George was much beloved by his fans, friends, and colleagues. Thank you for the memories, sir. Godspeed. Rest in Peace. #RIP pic.twitter.com/A31GyBQvUy

— HalloweenMovies™ (@Halloweenmovies) February 3, 2023

Spencer Charnas, actor and founding member of heavy metal band Ice Nine Kills, commended Wilbur's character in his own tribute. "RIP to one of my favorite Michael Myers actors of all time, George P. Wilbur. One of the first horror stars I ever met was George back at the original Spooky World in ['97]," he said. "A class act and true legend."

Our thoughts are with Wilbur's family and friends in this difficult time.

• OD's Udo Kier Dies Aged 81, Hideo Kojima Pays Respects
• Monkey Island LeChuck actor has died, aged 81
• Supernatural actor Nicki Aycox has died, aged 47
• Punisher, Star Wars actor Ray Stevenson has died, aged 58