Gunnar Hansen – the actor best known for his terrifying performance as Leatherface in the 1974 horror classic The Texas Chain Saw Massacre – has passed away at the age of 68.
According to a statement from his family, Hansen had been battling pancreatic cancer.
Following the surprising success of his first film, Hansen went on to pay homage to the title role in several sequels, spinoffs and satires. He continued acting until the end of his life, with three films slated for release in 2016.
Born in Rekyavik in 1947, Hansen moved to America with his family when he was just 5.
He was an avid film buff from a young age and took the role of Leatherface shortly after finishing grad school with a degree in English.
Though acting was often his primary means of support, Hansen would leave Hollywood periodically throughout his life to focus on his true passion – writing.
He published a nonfiction account of his travels through the Barrier Islands in 1993, and his 2013 memoir, Chain Saw Confidential, became an instant hit with horror fans.
Hansen passed away quietly at his home in Maine, where he had spent most of the last 40 years. He is survived by his partner of 13 years, Betty Tower.
