Victor Miller, the screenwriter behind the 1980 horror film “Friday the 13th,” dies at age 86. Multiple outlets report that his death occurs Monday in Alameda, California. His son, Ian, confirms the news, though the cause of death is not disclosed.
“Friday the 13th” is widely regarded as a landmark in horror, with the film’s summer camp setting and enduring themes helping define the genre. Both reports frame Miller’s work as influential to later horror stories, reflecting the movie’s long-standing cultural impact. Deadline and Variety both rely on Ian Miller for confirmation, and both note that no specific medical or personal details are provided.
While the articles largely align on the basic facts—Miller’s role as the writer, his age, and the timing and location of his death—the coverage differs slightly in emphasis. Variety highlights the film’s canonical status and influence, while Deadline includes additional detail from a social media tribute that does not specify a cause of death.