'Friday the 13th' Screenwriter Was 86
Variety • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Victor Miller, the screenwriter of the iconic 1980 horror film "Friday the 13th," passed away at the age of 86 in Alameda, California, confirmed by his son Ian.
- "Friday the 13th" is credited with popularizing the summer camp setting and teenage themes that have become staples in the slasher genre, inspired initially by John Carpenter’s "Halloween."
- Miller explained that the film's concept, including the setting and backstory of Jason’s death, was influenced by "Halloween," aiming to create a story where young adults are isolated and targeted one by one.
- Although Miller did not participate in the sequels, "Friday the 13th" became a major horror franchise; he also had a successful career writing for soap operas like "All My Children," contributing to multiple Daytime Emmy wins.
- Born in New Orleans in 1940, Miller is survived by his wife Tina Thurston Miller and their two sons, Ian and Josh.
