The actor Jonathan Tiersten, most notably recognized for his portrayal of Ricky Thomas in the horror cult classic "Sleepaway Camp," has passed away at the age of 60, as per reports. Tiersten, who resided in New Jersey, breathed his last breath at his home last week. This news was shared by his brother, William Tiersten, to TMZ. William further revealed that the cause of the actor's demise is currently under investigation by the medical examiner. USA TODAY has reached out to Tiersten's representatives for further comments.
At just 18 years old, Tiersten secured his debut movie role in "Sleepaway Camp," a horror film that follows a group of teenagers terrorized by serial killings at their summer camp. Despite grossing $11 million at the box office, the film received mostly negative reviews at the time of its release, with critics comparing it to a lackluster imitation of the hit horror film "Friday the 13th."
However, in recent years, the film's twist ending, which features Tiersten's character Ricky, has made it a cult classic in the genre. The movie's shocking conclusion shows Ricky being beaten unconscious after the camp owner, Mel (Mike Kellin), suspects him of being the killer. But later, Mel discovers the true murderer in the woods, who is revealed to be Ricky's traumatized cousin, Angela (Felissa Rose).
"There's a disturbing, nightmarish quality to the final sequence that can't be shaken," wrote Padraig Cotter of ScreenRant in 2019. "Even better slasher movies like 'Scream' or 'Happy Death Day' have struggled to craft an ending that stays with viewers in such a visceral way."
During a break from acting, Tiersten pursued his passion for music and became the lead singer of several bands, including his own group, Ten Tiers. Decades later, he reprised his "Sleepaway Camp" role in the sequels "Return to Sleepaway Camp" (2008) and "Sleepaway Camp IV: The Survivor" (2012).
Apart from his work in the "Sleepaway" franchise, Tiersten appeared in various horror films such as "The Perfect House," "Blood Reservoir," "The House That Wept Blood," "Lake of Shadows," and "Last American Horror Show: Volume II." His final feature film role was in the 2022 slasher horror "Time's Up."
