Former Jason Voorhees Actor Steve Dash Dead At 74

Steve Dash, who was one of two men to play Jason Voorhees in Friday the 13th Part 2 (the other being Warrington Gillette as the unmasked Jason), has passed away at the age of 74. Bloody Disgusting reports the actor and stuntman died due to complications of diabetes. The news was confirmed by the Monster Mania convention and follows Dash’s recent hospitalization.

In a post on Facebook earlier this month, Dash offered an update on his health. He wrote: “I have an update on my condition. They’re amputating my left leg tomorrow afternoon. It’s been pretty tough suffering from diabetes, blood clots and a bad heart over the last year. I welcome the decision I’ve made because I will be able to play golf in 6-8 weeks with a brand new leg. Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers and personal messages to me. The fans are the best fans on the planet.”

Dash is the first man to play the adult Jason Voorhees, who wore a sack over his head instead of the popular hockey mask he’d wear in the next film. He attended horror conventions regularly to meet his fans. He also appeared in the films Alone in the Dark, 13 Tzameti and Mr. Hush. He was set to appear in a Friday fan film called Vengeance, which is in pre-production.

Co-star Amy Steel, who played Jason’s nemesis Ginny in Part 2, wrote the following message on Facebook: “Dear Steve, aka ‘Silver Fox’-

Your smile, your glint, your cologne, your straightforward enthusiasm, your cabbie drawl, your forgiving me for cutting your finger off, and your devotion to the profession will be sorely missed. Send us love and light from above. We’ll need it without you here. Honored to be a part of your life, my Jason.

Love,
Your Ginny, Amy”

411 would like to offer our condolences to the friends, family and fans of Mr. Dash.