Original Michael Myers from ‘Halloween,’ James Winburn, dead at 85

Date:

Share post:


“Halloween” star, stuntman and the original Michael Myers actor James Winburn has died. He was 85.

The performer donned the white mask and knife to play the infamous killer in the 1978 horror film and its 1981 sequel alongside scream queen Jamie Lee Curtis.

His cause of death is unknown at present.

Winburn played Myers in John Carpenter’s famous slasher flick, including the scene where Dr. Loomis shot him six times and caused him to fall off a balcony.

He also made a career as a Hollywood stunt man, working on movies such as “Escape From New York,” “Tron,” “Colors,” “The Night Stalker,” “Glory” and “The Couch Trip.”

Actor and stuntman James Winburn portrayed the killer in the 1978 film and its 1981 sequel.
FilmMagic

The Post has reached out to Curtis’ reps for comment.

Winburn was featured last month at Monopoly Events’ “For the Love of Horror” fan convention.

The company paid tribute to him on Twitter Monday, writing: “We are extremely sad to learn of the passing of James Winburn, who joined us for @ftlohorror last month.”

HALLOWEEN, Jamie Lee Curtis, 1978. © Compass International Pictures/ Courtesy: Everett Collection
Jamie Lee Curtis as Laurie Strode in 1978’s “Halloween.”
Everett Collection / Everett Col

“James was an absolute pleasure to work and shared some amazing stories with everyone over the weekend,” Monopoly Events added. “Our sincere condolences go out to his family, friends and fans. #RIP.”

Monster-Mania Con, another horror festival operator, also shared their condolences to Winburn on social media, saying: “Sad to learn of the passing of James Winburn today. James was an absolute pleasure to work with and we had hoped to see him again for our show in Oaks, PA, but sadly a health issue prevented that.”

HALLOWEEN, Jamie Lee Curtis, Tony Moran as Michael Myers, 1978.  © Compass International Pictures/ Courtesy: Everett Collection
“Halloween” was directed by John Carpenter and spawned an array of sequels.
Everett Collection / Everett Col

“James was always appreciative of the ‘Halloween’ fans and truly enjoyed meeting everyone,” the statement continued. “Our sincere condolences go out to his family, friends and fans.”

Other actors who have notably played Myers include Nick Castle, Tony Moran, Tommy Lee Wallace and Will Sandin.



Source link

Related articles

‘Mr. Bean’ star Rowan Atkinson feels ‘duped’ by promises of electric vehicles

Rowan Atkinson, the British comedian perhaps best known to international audiences as Mr. Bean, has also been...

Bam Margera’s brother desperate for help in finding the troubled skateboarder

Skateboarder Bam Margera, 43, might be in trouble again. In a tweet on Sunday morning, Margera’s brother, Jess...

‘And Just Like That…’ star Evan Handler speaks out about Kim Cattrall’s upcoming cameo

It’s all happening. This week, The Post exclusively confirmed that Kim Cattrall, 66, will be returning to this...

Pat Sajak mocks contestant’s high-pitched scream after big win

This move was “wheely” low. “Wheel of Fortune” Host Pat Sajak has once again come under scrutiny...