The classic slasher Sleepaway Camp rocked worlds and blew minds when it was released back in 1983, and one of the best elements in the film is the performance delivered by Jonathan Tiersten as camper Ricky, a foul-mouthed little badass who is extremely protective of his beloved cousin Angela (genre icon Felissa Rose). My girlfriend and I have a lot of fun watching Tiersten’s Ricky in action every time we rewatch Sleepaway Camp, an event that occurs frequently. Now there’s going to be a sad edge to all of our future viewings, as it’s being reported that Tiersten has passed away at the too-young age of 60.
How was Jonathan Tiersten’s passing announced?
The first report of Tiersten’s passing came on Facebook, where his cousin Peter Kuperschmid wrote, “It is with the deepest sadness that I have to share such tragic news. My amazing cousin Jonathan Tiersten has unexpectedly passed away. He was such a loving, passionate, talented and caring soul that made this world a much better place. I am beyond broken and numb! He spent the week of Thanksgiving with me and my family. It was wonderful. We wrote and recorded lots of great music together which I need to finish and release. An amazing actor, musician, athlete, father, brother, cousin, friend!“
Tiersten’s brother William confirmed the news to TMZ. “Tiersten passed away last week at his home in New Jersey, according to his brother, William Tiersten. William tells us the medical examiner is investigating Jonathan’s cause of death.“
What movies and TV shows did Jonathan Tiersten work on?
Born in Queens on August 11, 1965, Tiersten didn’t have a long list of credits outside of Sleepaway Camp, which marked his film debut. In the ’80s, he worked on Another World, a CBS Schoolbreak Special, and an ABC Afterschool Special. Then he stepped away from acting until he reprised the role of Ricky in 2008’s Return to Sleepaway Camp. Since then, his credits include The Perfect House, Redemption, Blood Reservoir, Sugar!, The House That Wept Blood, Terror Tales, Lake of Shadows, Toilet Zombie Baby Strikes Back, Last American Horror Show: Volume II, and Time’s Up.
Tiersten was also a musician and fronted a number of bands, in addition to composing the scores for a couple of short films. His friend Melanie Kinnaman (who played the heroine in Friday the 13th: A New Beginning) adds that “he was also a former Pro Tennis player and also coached tennis to future pros!“
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Jonathan Tiersten’s family, friends, and fans.
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