Gunnar Hansen, who portrayed one of the most iconic cinematic mass murderers (the cross-dressing, chainsaw-wielding Leatherface in 1974’s horror classic, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre), is dead at the age of 68. He passed away at his Maine residence, and the cause of death, according to his agent, was pancreatic cancer.
Hansen carved out a career for himself (all puns sadly intended) when he portrayed the villainous Leatherface in the cult classic, which detailed the horrific ordeal experienced by a group of friends. Each of the characters had the misfortune of running across Leatherface and his murderous clan, who pick off each victim one by one (and in a more grisly fashion than the last).
Hansen had an acting career after the movie and went on to appear in Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers and Reykjavik What Watching Massacre (in the roles of “The Master” and “Captain,” respectively). However, it was his role as Leatherface that gained him the most notoriety. Hansen relished the role and embraced the fame that came to him from the flick. He attended countless fan conventions to support the role.
According to Hansen’s agent, the late actor published a 2013 book, Chain Saw Confidential, that revealed that some of the film’s inspiration stemmed from Hansel and Gretel.
Hansen is survived by Betty Tower, his partner of 13 years. The horror world mourns the loss of one of the most terrifying figures in the genre, and there is a huge void that cannot be filled after his loss.
(Via TMZ)
