Michael Villella, Famous for Playing Russ Thorn in ‘The Slumber Party Massacre,’ Passes Away at 84

Michael Villella, the actor known for playing the serial killer Russ Thorn in the cult classic The Slumber Party Massacre has passed away at the age of 84, reported Variety. The news of demise was shared through a statement on a Facebook page, "Michael Pasquale Villella has left this world, may he rest in peace. May God welcome Michael with open arms and bring him into heaven." Cal Boyington, Talent Agent and Producer, Found Dead at Home Aged 53.

His daughter, Chloe Villella, also confirmed the news on social media. However, the cause of his demise was not disclosed.

Michael Villella, 'Slumber Party Massacre' Star, Dies at 84

Villella made his screen debut as the drill-wielding killer in the 1982 film The Slumber Party Massacre, which also starred Michelle Michaels and Robin Stille. The film, directed by Amy Holden Jones and written by Rita Mae Brown, began as a slasher spoof but evolved into a true horror picture.

Although critics gave The Slumber Party Massacre mediocre reviews, the 1982 original developed a cult following and inspired two straight sequels, which were produced in 1987 and 1990; a reboot film was made in 2021. The Slumber Party Massacre spawned two spinoff film series, the 'Sorority House Massacre' trilogy and the Cheerleader Massacre flicks. Villella played an uncredited cameo in the 1990 spinoff film Sorority House Massacre II, and he appeared in the 2010 documentary, Sleepless Nights: Revisiting the Slumber Party Massacres. Tony Todd, ‘Candyman’ and ‘Final Destination’ Star, Passes Away at 69.

His other film credits include, Love Letters (1983), Gotham (1988), Wild Orchid (1989) and Wild Orchid II: Two Shades of Blue (1991). On talking about his TV credits, he made guest appearances on Amazing Stories and Getting Away With Murder, as per Variety.