Actor/songwriter David Hess Dies Aged 69

American actor/songwriter David Hess has died of a heart attack aged 69.

Horror movie fans across the globe will today be awakening to the news of his death, a modern day audience in mourning.

News broke after his family took to his Facebook account to make the following announcement:-

 ”It is with great sadness that we have said our last goodbyes to our beloved dad and friend to all. David passed away peacefully last night. The Mad Hessian lives on in his family, friends, and all of his devoted fans. Sing a song in celebration of his life.”

David first came to the attention of the public back in 1972 after he starred as Krug in Wes Craven’s notorious slasher movie Last House On The Left, this role not only unleashed him into the public arena, but made him an instant legend. With dozens of other roles under his belt, he shocked again in 1980 as the ruthless Alex in House On The Edge Of The Park.

Moving across the globe flitting between TV and movie roles Hess appeared in Manimal, Swamp Thing, Knight Rider, Beretta and Hitch-hike.

His contribution to the soundtrack of Last House On The Left, made him a respected recording artist in his own right, so when not acting, you would find him singing. Although he had been performing and writing music for years prior, writing for Elvis and Sal Mineo to name but a few; it took Last House to make David’s name known outside of being an anonymous author.

His last completed movie was in 2009, Smash Cut saw the actor hamming it up, in the best possible taste as a director lacking inspiration, and killing those that annoyed him, in order to make his movie more realistic.

It was after this UK premier at the 2009 Fright Fest that I got to meet David for the first time (and sadly last time), the man loved the horror genre, and loved his fans more than anything. Regardless of whatever David did, he always remembered that it was his fans that kept him in business. Whether it was for a chat on Facebook, or a drink after a screening, few actors were more approachable than David. For a man who spent so much time, working in the darkest aspects of cinema, and some of the most notorious movies, there were few actors who were so warm, loving and kind.

At the time of his death, David was working on a number of projects that included a sequel to House On The Edge Of The Park.

David Hess was a real inspiration, and his loss leaves a void in the movie and music industry.