R.I.P.: Sleepaway Camp’s Desiree Gould has passed away at 76

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Actress Desiree Gould didn't have a lot of screen credits, but in 1983 she delivered a performance that stuck with many viewers forever when she played the clearly mentally off-balance Aunt Martha in the slasher classic Sleepaway Camp. Sadly, we've learned that Gould has passed away at the age of 76. Her Sleepaway Camp co-star Felissa Rose broke the news, sharing the following message on Twitter:

My heart is heavy. Today we lost a Sleepaway Camp family member. We all love you Desiree Gould. Thank you for creating such a charismatic and memorable character! Aunt Martha will be forever remembered. ??Condolences to all your family and friends. Rest easy???????? pic.twitter.com/CWbxdyRHHF

— FelissaRose (@Felissa_Rose) May 25, 2021

Born in 1945, Gould took an interest in singing and dancing when she was a child, leading to her decision to pursue an acting career. She started out in commercials and theater productions, and made her first on screen appearance in the 1979 TV movie You Can't Go Home Again. Sleepaway Camp was only her second screen credit, but after finishing that film she decided to get into real estate, which is why more than twenty years passed before she worked on another movie. From 2006 to 2014, she appeared in two features and a short, ending up with just five acting credits on her filmography.

Gould didn't leave behind many performances for us to watch, but there are still a lot of fans watching Sleepaway Camp over and over, and what she did as Aunt Martha was definitely unforgettable.

Our sincere condolences go out to Gould's family, friends, and fans.