The horror community is mourning the loss of a familiar face from one of its most iconic cult films.
Jonathan Tiersten, best known for his role in the classic slasher Sleepaway Camp, has died at the age of 60.
His brother, William Tiersten, confirmed that the actor passed away at his home in New Jersey last week. According to reports, the exact cause of death has not yet been determined and is currently under investigation by the medical examiner.
Tiersten made a lasting impression early in his career with his breakout role as Ricky Thomas in Sleepaway Camp — a film that went on to become a cult favorite among horror fans. He later reprised the role in Return to Sleepaway Camp and Sleepaway Camp IV The Survivor, cementing his place in the franchise’s legacy.
Born in New York and raised in New Jersey, Tiersten pursued his passion for acting at the prestigious Circle in the Square Theater, part of New York University.
Around the early 2000s, he shifted his focus to music, stepping away from acting for a time before eventually returning to the screen. Beyond horror, he appeared in independent films like Redemption and The Perfect House, showing his range as a performer.
He also worked behind the scenes, composing the score for the short film Demption.
Tiersten’s talents extended beyond acting — he was also a musician and the lead singer of his band, Ten Tiers. His work earned recognition in the indie film world, including three best actor awards between 2012 and 2013.
For fans of Sleepaway Camp and the horror genre, Tiersten’s performance as Ricky remains unforgettable.