Star Of Hit Horror Film Passes Away At 84

Michael Villella, a name synonymous with a chilling portrayal of a killer in one of horror’s most iconic cult films, has passed away at the age of 84. His contributions to cinema were particularly within the horror genre.

Villella, best known for his role as Russ Thorn in the 1982 slasher hit ‘The Slumber Party Massacre,’ brought a uniquely unsettling presence to the screen. While the film initially received mixed reviews, it has since earned a place in the annals of cult cinema, thanks in no small part to Villella’s performance.

Chloe informed TMZ that her father died on Saturday afternoon from multiple organ failure following a month-long hospital stay.

Michael Villella, ‘The Slumber Party Massacre’ star, has sadly passed away at 84. pic.twitter.com/xJL3zQjPxc

— Movieweb (@movieweb) November 25, 2024

“It is with a Heavy ♥️ that Michael Pasquale Villella has left this world, may he rest in peace. May God welcome Michael with open arms and bring him into heaven.”

“May you rest in peace daddy,” Chloe wrote.

The Slumber Party Massacre (1982) is a cult classic from the golden age of slasher films. The film uniquely blends horror with subtle satire. It follows a group of high school girls whose slumber party turns deadly when an escaped killer armed with a power drill attacks. Initially met with mixed reviews, it later gained a loyal following and spawned two sequels, solidifying its status as a cult favorite. Celebrated for its mix of suspense and social commentary, the film remains a standout in 1980s horror.

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His co-star in The Slumber Party Massacre, Michele Michaels, reflected on their collaboration, describing Villella as a consummate professional who brought authenticity and dedication to his craft.

“My loving compadre since the making of SPM in 1982, celebrated actor, Michael Villella, has died peacefully, with deep embrace and loving presence of his family and friends,” she wrote on Facebook. “What a blessing to have been with his daughter, Chloe, witnessing her loving care for him.”

“I felt honored to be his colleague. Michael’s creative imagination will lift my spirit forever.”

In a previous discussion with Racks and Razors about his acting journey, Villella reflected on his role as Russ in ‘The Slumber Party Massacre.’ “I had to give Russ a life… the way he walked, the way he approached his victim… his inner life, to do what he did he, he had to do it for love,” Villella explained.

He also commented on the challenges faced during filming, though not from his performance. “I can’t remember struggling in any scene… the crew sometimes had to struggle with me… I was so much into the killing they had to drag me off them,” he revealed.

Villella’s career extended beyond his memorable turn in ‘The Slumber Party Massacre.’ He appeared in a variety of film and television projects, including Love Letters, Steven Spielberg’s Amazing Stories, and Wild Orchid.

He is survived by his daughter and his ex-wife.

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