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It is with great sadness that we report the passing of the talented actor Whitney Rydbeck, who was best known for his role in “Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives.” Rydbeck passed away at the age of 79 on Monday, following complications related to prostate cancer. He spent his final days in hospice care in Chatsworth, California.

The news of his passing was confirmed by Tommy McLoughlin, the director of the sixth film in the “Friday the 13th” series, who paid tribute to Rydbeck on Instagram. In his heartfelt post, McLoughlin described Rydbeck as not only a talented comedian and actor but also one of the kindest and most genuine people he had ever met. McLoughlin expressed his sorrow over the loss, offering his blessings by saying, “God Bless You and Rest in Peace, Whitney Rydbeck. Our loss is Heaven’s gain.”

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Rydbeck attended Pasadena High School before furthering his education at Pasadena City College and Cal State Fullerton, where he pursued his passion for theater. His acting career began in 1970 when he appeared in an episode of “Nanny and the Professor.” Over the years, he went on to make guest appearances in several popular television shows, including “The Brady Bunch,” “MAS*H,” and “Monster Squad.” Rydbeck’s versatility as an actor also landed him roles in notable films such as “Love at First Bite,” “Rocky II,” and Steven Spielberg’s “1941.”

One of Rydbeck’s most iconic performances was his portrayal of Roy, a paintball soldier, in “Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives.” In the film, Roy attempts to take down the infamous serial killer Jason Voorhees but, like many of Voorhees’ other victims, he tragically meets his demise. This role remains one of Rydbeck’s most memorable in the eyes of horror movie fans.

In addition to his acting roles in television and film, Rydbeck became well-known for his work in the 1980s as Larry, a crash test dummy, in public service announcements promoting seat belt safety. In these ads, Rydbeck and fellow actor Tony Reitano portrayed the consequences of not wearing seat belts, with the slogan, “You could learn a lot from a dummy. Buckle your safety belt,” becoming a memorable catchphrase of the time. Rydbeck attributed his success in these commercials to his experience as a mime, humorously noting the challenges of wearing masks during the shoots, which impaired vision, hearing, and speech. “God forbid you had to go to the bathroom,” he joked in one interview. He also emphasized the importance of seat belt use, saying, “I always buckle up, I’ll tell you that.”

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Rydbeck continued to leave his mark in both television and film. He appeared in popular TV shows like “7th Heaven,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” “Murder, She Wrote,” “Living Single,” and “Party of Five.” His movie credits included “Oliver & Company,” “A Very Brady Sequel,” and “Murder of Innocence.” After starring in the 2007 short film “The Oates’ Valor,” Rydbeck decided to retire from acting and reportedly became a drama teacher at Pasadena City College.

Whitney Rydbeck’s legacy as a talented actor and a kind-hearted individual will be fondly remembered by his fans, friends, and colleagues. His contributions to the entertainment industry, both on-screen and off, will continue to resonate for years to come. May he rest in peace.