Victor Miller, Screenwriter of “Friday the 13th,” Dies at 86

According to CinemaDrame News Agency, Victor Miller, the acclaimed screenwriter and creator of the iconic horror classic Friday the 13th, has passed away at the age of 86.

The news of Miller’s passing was shared on social media by his son, Ian. He passed away on Monday, though an exact cause of death has not yet been announced.

In a tribute, Ian wrote: “My dad, Victor Miller, has passed away peacefully. He was almost always the smartest and funniest guy in the room. He gave me—and so many others—a love of photography, music, and storytelling. He lived a wonderful, full life and will be deeply missed.” Miller’s son also noted that a memorial service will be held in November—”appropriately on Friday the 13th.”

Victor Miller co-wrote the screenplay for the landmark 1980 horror classic alongside Ron Kurz, directed by Sean S. Cunningham. The massive success of the original film paved the way for numerous sequels, although Miller only penned the first installment of the franchise. He later reunited with Cunningham in 1982 for A Stranger Is Watching and applied his writing talents across various television projects.

Miller’s television writing credits include daytime dramas such as One Life to Live, Another World, Guiding Light, General Hospital, and All My Children.

Dr. L. Andrew Cooper (Rel Dowdell), director of film studies at Hampton University, said in a statement honoring his legacy: “Masterful screenwriter Victor Miller etched his name permanently into the pantheon of classic horror cinema by penning the original script for the very first Friday the 13th. Alongside sharp direction and savvy production, that screenplay laid the groundwork for one of the most famous and enduring franchises in film history, spanning over four decades.”

The distinguished writer is survived by his wife, two children, and one grandchild.