Actor Gunnar Hansen, well-known for playing Leatherface in Tobe Hooper's 1974 movie "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre," has died at the age of 68.
Mike Eisenstadt, Hansen's agent, confirmed that the actor died of pancreatic cancer at his home in Maine.
Hansen's portrayal of Leatherface is "one of the most iconic evil figures in the history of cinema," said Eisenstadt.
Born in Reykjavik, Iceland, Hansen moved to the U.S. when he was five years old. He studied at the University of Texas, majoring in English and Scandinavian Studies. This is where he met Hooper and "Texas Chain Saw Massacre" co-writer Kim Henkel. With his towering physique, he effectively secured the role of Leatherface.
Filming for the movie proved to be quite a challenge for Hansen, who, notwithstanding the limited vision brought about by his iconic mask, was sometimes required to wield an actual chainsaw.
"It was very dangerous," he previously shared in an interview. "I had no idea how dangerous it was until later, after the movie came out, when I was living in the woods and chopping up wood to heat the house."
Despite the success of "Texas Chain Saw Massacre," the cast and crew, including Hansen, received but a small portion of the fees they deserved. This was, according to a report, due to "alleged financial irregularities on the part of the movie's distributors."
Hansen recently revealed that his first check, after the release of the movie was for $47.07.
Though Hansen is renowned for his nightmare-inducing character, never has the loss of a horror icon received more mourning, than in his death.
Fans took to twitter to express their grief over the passing away of their much beloved Leatherface.
"RIP Gunnar Hansen. Scared the s*** out of me as Leatherface; in person, you never met a kinder man," wrote author Stephen King.
RIP Gunnar Hansen. Scared the shit out of me as Leatherface; in person, you never met a kinder man.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) November 8, 2015
Below are more Twitterverse throes over the actor's death.
Farewell Gunnar Hansen. May you spin with your chainsaw at magic hour forever more. pic.twitter.com/y8DqaLLfCk — edgarwright (@edgarwright) November 8, 2015
Gunnar Hansen, the original Leatherface is gone. The sweetest cinemaniac you'd ever meet. A poet. A presence to be reckoned with. RIP — Harry Knowles (@headgeek666) November 8, 2015
RIP #GunnarHansen - his character study of Ed Gein was probably the most accurate. Others include Norman Bates & Buffalo Bill from TSOTL. — Mike Noble (@mike_noble) November 9, 2015
Devastated by the passing of my dear friend Gunnar Hansen. He was delightfully scary 2 many and a smart honest and warm person 2 all he knew — Barbara Crampton (@barbaracrampton) November 8, 2015
Gunnar Hansen died? Goddammit! pic.twitter.com/1NqeSNlvsr
— Bill Moseley (@choptopmoseley) November 8, 2015
Rest In Peace Gunnar. You were always The Man behind that mask. #ChainsawDanceInHeaven pic.twitter.com/UIMvrRkdl5 — Joe Lynch (@TheJoeLynch) November 8, 2015
Very sad news on the passing of Gunnar Hansen. My condolences to his family and fans. #RIPGunnarHansen #Leatherface #texaschainsawmassacre — Tom Savini (@THETomSavini) November 8, 2015
Hansen lived and worked as an actor-writer in Maine for around 40 years. He was writing and producing a film called "Death House" at the time of his death, his agent said.
He is survived by Betty Tower, his partner of 13 years.
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