Michael Villella, best remembered for his portrayal as serial murd3rer Russ Thorn in the 1982 legendary horror classic The Slumber Party Massacre, died at the age of 84.
His death was confirmed via a Facebook post on Saturday, stating, “It is with a Heavy ♥️ that Michael Pasquale Villella has left this world. May God welcome Michael with open arms.” Villella’s daughter, Chloe, also paid tribute, writing, “May you rest in peace daddy ♥️💋.”
According to TMZ, Villella died of multiple organ failure after spending more than a month in the hospital.
Villella’s portrayal of Russ Thorn, a k1ller who was unsettlingly mask-free, brought an intense and unique edge to The Slumber Party Massacre, originally written as a parody but ultimately released as a straight horror film. Despite mixed reviews, the movie became a cult favorite, spawning two sequels, a 2021 reboot, and two spin-off series: Sorority House Massacre and Cheerleader Massacre. Villella made a cameo in Sorority House Massacre II (1990) and revisited the franchise in the 2010 documentary Sleepless Nights: Revisiting the Slumber Party Massacres.
Aside from horror, Villella has appeared in films such as Love Letters (1983), Wild Orchid (1989) and its sequel, as well as television shows such as Amazing Stories. Villella previously stated, “I had to give Russ a life… I believe what appealed to them was that he was a typical guy who went too far into the other side.
Villella’s intense dedication to his craft, even in his debut role, left an enduring mark on the horror genre. May he rest in peace.