According to a longtime friend of his, the actor Whitney Rydbeck, who was most known for his roles in a cinematic adaptation of “Friday the 13th” and in a number of famous comedies, has passed away.
Tommy McLoughlin, the actor’s friend and director, only announced the news a few of days ago, adding that the world has lost a wonderfully hilarious comic and a friend with a good heart. McLoughlin said that the actor passed away suddenly early last week.
According to McCloughlin, who was also interviewed by The Hollywood Reporter, he passed away as a result of complications related to prostate cancer when he was receiving hospice care in Chatsworth, California.
In the early 1970s, Whitney began his career by appearing in a few episodes of television series such as “The Brady Bunch,” “Big John, Little John,” “M*A*S*H,” and “Switch.” These performances were rather brief and included just a single episode. Throughout his whole life, he continued to make significant cameos on television programs such as “Scrubs” and “3rd Rock From the Sun.”
His other film appearances include “1941,” “Rocky II,” and “Oliver and Company.” He also played a mute robot in Woody Allen’s “Sleeper,” which was an opportunity for him to put his mime abilities to use.
Later in her career, Whitney had an even greater effect outside of popular film and television by playing the role of crash test dummy Larry in public service announcements that encouraged people to wear seat belts.
As a result of the advertisements’ significant impact, one of Rydbeck’s original costumes was eventually displayed in the Smithsonian Institution.