Betsy Palmer, known to horror fans the world over as the bloodthirsty and vengeance exacting psycho-mum Pamela Voorhees, has died of natural causes in Connecticut.

Palmer made a string of TV and film appearances throughout the fifties, from quiz shows to musicals; starring opposite Henry Fonda in Mr. Roberts. But it would be getting her hands bloody in Sean S. Cunningham’s seminal slasher Friday the 13th in 1980 that she’ll be best remembered for. Funnily enough, Palmer only took on the role to pay off her car, and wasn’t’ afraid to speak her mind, stating the film was a ‘piece of shit!’ and that ‘Nobody is ever going to see this thing’.

As with many actors known exclusively for one career dominating role, Palmer came to embrace the role, even cameoing in Friday the 13th Part 2, where Jason took over on the killing front. She was even the star and central point of the 2006 documentary Betsy Palmer: A Scream Queen. While she was approached to reprise the role for 2003’s Freddy V Jason, she declined after failing to come to a deal with the studio. Paula Shaw took on the mantle instead, but was sadly lacking.

Betsy Palmer She remains one the genre’s greatest screen killers, biggest surprises and best piece of horror trivia (you remember the beginning of Scream, right?). Our thoughts are with her family.

SHARE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW OR ON TWITTER @STARBURST_MAG

Find your local STARBURST stockist HERE, or buy direct from us HERE. For our digital edition (available to read on your iOS, Android, Amazon, Windows 8, Samsung and/or Huawei device – all for just £1.99), visit MAGZTER DIGITAL NEWSSTAND.

CLICK TO BUY!

MORE FROM AROUND THE WEB: