Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Friday the 13th Screenwriter Victor Miller Dies at 86
Victor Miller was a writer who helped create the original Friday the 13th movie.
He died in Alameda, California, at age 86.
His son Ian shared the news online the next day.
The family has not said what caused his death.
Miller helped create important characters, including Jason Voorhees and his mother, Pamela.
He also wrote for popular daytime television shows.
His work earned him three Daytime Emmy Awards.
A celebration of his life is planned for November, on a Friday the 13th.
Victor Miller, the screenwriter behind the original Friday the 13th, died Monday in Alameda, California, at age 86.
His son Ian announced the death on Instagram Tuesday; a cause of death was not disclosed.
Miller created key elements of Friday the 13th, including Jason Voorhees and his mother, Pamela.
He won three Daytime Emmy Awards and wrote for several daytime soap operas.
Miller’s longtime collaborator Kerry Fleming remembered him as a generous friend, mentor, and filmmaker.
- Who
- Victor Miller, the screenwriter known for the original Friday the 13th, died at 86.
- What
- Miller died, and his family announced plans for a November celebration of life.
- When
- He died Monday; his son announced it Tuesday. Miller was born May 14, 1940.
- Where
- He died in Alameda, California, and was born in New Orleans.
- Why
- The cause of death has not been disclosed.
- Age at death
- 86
- Known for
- Writing the original Friday the 13th and creating key elements of its mythology
- Notable characters
- Jason Voorhees and Pamela
- Television honors
- Three Daytime Emmy Awards
- Television work
- All My Children, One Life to Live, Another World, Guiding Light, and General Hospital
- Announcement
- His son Ian announced the death on Instagram Tuesday
- Memorial
- A celebration of life is planned for November, on Friday the 13th