More sad news is coming in today from the horror community, as Friday the 13th Part 2 screenwriter Ron Kurz has passed away. Known to horror fans for writing the cult classic slasher, Kurz’ other writing credits include King Frat, Eyes of a Stranger, and Off the Wall. According to Fridaythe13thFranchise.com, Kurz died suddenly last month on May 7 due to heart failure, and word of his passing is just now making the rounds online. He was 79 years old.
Friday the 13th fans will particularly appreciate Kurz for his contributions to the earlier films in the popular horror movie series. Under a pseudonym, Kurz provided some uncredited writing work on the screenplay for the original film – he is said to be the one who wrote in the famous jump scare at the end of the first Friday the 13th with Ari Lehman’s Jason emerging from the lake to pull Adrienne King’s Alice into the water. The moment is among the most memorable in horror movie history.
Kurz would also go on to write the script for the popular sequel Friday the 13th Part 2 with Steve Miner directing the film. The sequel is notable for being the first in the series to introduce Jason Voorhees as the killer, as his mother Pamela was revealed to be the murderer in the original movie. Many other sequels would come in the years since, but for many fans, Part 2 is still considered to be among the very best.
The late writer’s survivors include his wife, two sons, two granddaughters, and a sister. Our thoughts go out to them at this time. You can read more about Kurz’ life in his obituary., and you can relive the iconic Friday the 13th jump scare as envisioned by Kurz in the video below.
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