Ted White–best known to genre fans for his part as Jason Voorhees in Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter–passed away at his home at the age of 96.
White’s career as an actor and stuntman began when he met Hollywood legend John Wayne in 1952 and began doubling for him in films. He went on to land minor roles in several western films and such TV series as Daniel Boone, The Andy Griffith Show and Magnum, P.I.
And then came 1984, when Joseph Zito, director of Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter, needed a large man for the part of Jason. White reluctantly accepted, but asked not to be credited on screen. He was later credited for the archive footage.
White was then offered the same part for Friday the 13th: A New Beginning and Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives, but turned them down. Those roles ultimately went to stuntmen Tom Morga and C.J. Graham.
White also performed stunt work for such genre standouts as Creature from the Black Lagoon, Planet of the Apes, King Kong and Escape from New York.
The staff of Horror News Network extends its condolences to White’s family, friends and colleagues.
