Actor Gunnar Hansen (Leatherface, "Texas Chainsaw Massacre") 1947-2015 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 11-08-2015, 04:34 AM

Link

Gunnar Hansen, who played the iconic villain Leatherface in the original "Texas Chain Saw Massacre," died Saturday of pancreatic cancer at his home in Maine, his agent said. He was 68.

Hansen starred in the 1974 film that has become a classic among horror-movie aficionados and spawned a series of sequels. In the movie, friends visiting their grandfather's house are hunted by Leatherface, a chain-saw wielding maniac.

Hansen's character in the movie "is one of the most iconic evil figures in the history of cinema," said his agent, Mike Eisenstadt, who confirmed the death.

In 2013, Hansen published his book "Chain Saw Confidential," which gave readers a behind-the-scenes look at how the film was made, Eisenstadt said.

Hansen lived in Maine for about 40 years, where he worked as an actor and writer, Eisenstadt said.

At the time of his death, Hansen was at work on a film called "Death House," his agent said. Hansen was a writer and producer of the film, which the Internet Movie Database says is about how a secret government facility becomes ground zero for the most horrific prison break in the history of mankind. The film is scheduled to come out next year, Eisenstadt said.

Hansen was born in Reykjavik, Iceland. He came to the U.S. and studied at the University of Texas, where he majored in English and Scandinavian Studies, Eisenstadt said.

Surviving Hansen is his partner of 13 years, Betty Tower.

Vahan · 11-08-2015, 12:35 PM

Man, first Marilyn Burns, now Gunnar Hansen. Rest in peace.

Torgo · 11-08-2015, 12:42 PM

RIP

A truly underrated performance of Hansen's was in the movie Brutal Massacre: A Comedy. He totally stole the show as the local town drunk, Krenshaw.

JamesG · 11-08-2015, 12:58 PM

Very sad.

Perhaps the only good thing about Texas Chainsaw 3D were the cameos by Hansen and Marilyn Burns.

Besides TCM I've seen him in Campfire Tales, Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers and Hellblock 13 w/ Debbie Rochon.

Torgo · 11-08-2015, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesG

Very sad.

Perhaps the only good thing about Texas Chainsaw 3D were the cameos by Hansen and Marilyn Burns.

Besides TCM I've seen him in Campfire Tales, Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers and Hellblock 13 w/ Debbie Rochon.

Didn't you also watch Brutal Massacre: A Comedy? For some reason I thought you had mentioned watching it for Brian O'Halloran.

Check out Chainsaw Sally (2004), and Mosquito (1995) both fun movies with him.

I liked him in Campfire Tales. I don't think he was trying very hard in Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers haha, I think they filmed all his scenes in one day then spread them out through the film to make it look like he was in most of the movie. Still love the movie though.

He was also in The Demon Lover (1977) his first film after TCM, though that movie is more famous for what went on behind the scenes shown in the documentary Demon Lover Diary (1980), sadly Gunnar was never shown in the documentary.

JamesG · 11-08-2015, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Torgo

Didn't you also watch Brutal Massacre: A Comedy? For some reason I thought you had mentioned watching it for Brian O'Halloran.

Check out Chainsaw Sally (2004), and Mosquito (1995) both fun movies with him.

I liked him in Campfire Tales. I don't think he was trying very hard in Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers haha, I think they filmed all his scenes in one day then spread them out through the film to make it look like he was in most of the movie. Still love the movie though.

He was also in The Demon Lover (1977) his first film after TCM, though that movie is more famous for what went on behind the scenes shown in the documentary Demon Lover Diary (1980), sadly Gunnar was never shown in the documentary.

Nope, I never said that about Brutal Massacre.

Thanks for the other recommends.

HuntingtonM15 · 11-08-2015, 01:28 PM

RIP to one of the most iconic horror villains. He will be very missed in the horror community. Although I never had the chance to meet him, I've heard nothing but great things from people who have.

JamesG · 11-10-2015, 02:01 AM

Linnea Quigley

“I vividly remember being cast in Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers and finding out that Gunnar would be in it and I was so scared that the idea of doing the movie terrified me. But it was one of my favorite films to do, even if I was a bit intimidated.

He was tall, over 6 feet tall and I was so surprised that he was so nice and gentle. Once, at the end of a long, long day my car battery was dead and he helped me get it started and then later, he said to me while waiting to film, ‘Do you think anyone will remember me?’; that’s when I told him about doing conventions and doing other movies and then your fame would stick.

‘Do you think anyone would remember me?’ I think we know the answer to that.

Love to ya, Gunnar…”

http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news...gunnar-hansen/

Bill Moseley

“So sad to hear of Gunnar’s passing. To me, he was the Dean of the Chainsaw family; anything Sawyer ultimately led to Gunnar. He was kind, wise, gentle and funny, and I will dearly miss him.

We had so much fun together over the years on the convention circuit, most recently earlier this year at Horror Con UK in Sheffield, England, and acting together in Texas Chainsaw 3D. If there’s any consolation, it’s that Gunnar’s iconic and disturbing performance as Leatherface, horror’s greatest villain, will live on forever in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

Best wishes to his sweet Betty. RIP, brother.”

http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news...gunnar-hansen/

Jimmyo Burril

Gunnar popped into my life in 1979 when I snuck into see The Texas Chainsaw Massacre at a midnight movie. The film changed my life, in the way I saw entertainment. Later as video made it easy to own your own copy of movies, TCM was my very first purchase.

I didn’t know at that time that I would become friends with the guy on the cover. When we met, I was a fan boy. I asked the same questions everyone else did. Made the same comments about the film. Soon, we were making Chainsaw Sally, and he really seemed to love the character and the movie.

Our friendship grew, over the years since 2003 and it wasn’t too long that the idea of Leatherface had slipped away, and it was Gunnar who was my friend, not some college student who had chased Marilyn Burns around in the woods for a few weeks years ago.

My friend was very smart, very funny, very sweet, especially to my kids, whom now call him Uncle Gunnar. He was not Leatherface. He was just Gunn. However, we often, in picking mode, which there was a lot of, called each other Mr. Face, and Mr. Sally.

We would, talk regularly, usually about nothing important. Sometimes it might have just be about what we were having for supper. We did have one tradition that I will share. When we went out, we usually got coffee, and nachos (The nachos were rarely to Mr. Face’s standards) which made the evening more fun as we had a common enemy… the cook.

As we would part, in person or on the phone, one of us always added, “Don’t forget, you still owe me nachos.” I think it was our way of saying “I love you, and can’t wait to see you again soon.”

So to my gentle friend… Mr. Face… You still owe me nachos dammit.

http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news...gunnar-hansen/

Del Howison (Owner of Dark Delicacies)

It’s hard to speak about Gunnar Hansen without getting personal. That’s the way the big man affected you. From the first time you saw him (inevitably as Leatherface in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre) to the last time you saw him (in photos after hearing of his passing) it was personal.

His death leaves a hole and another part of an era is gone forever.

The first time I met Gunnar was at a convention, the way many fans first meet him. I bought two odd pieces from him. A blood soaked apron, which he autographed, and a book on his wildlife kayak adventures on the eastern coastline of America.

Talking with him you realized that, at that moment, you were the only person who mattered to him. He was direct, pleasant, and just due to his size somewhat intimidating. But it was personal.

I’ve met him several times since then, of course, including a wonderful signing and talk at Dark Delicacies when he was hawking his book Chainsaw Confidential. On that visit Leatherface actor Dan Yeager dropped by to say hello as Gunnar had pulled a cameo in Dan’s film Texas Chainsaw 3D.

For Gunnar there were no rivals, only friends. It was personal.

About six months later Gunnar called from the East Coast asking us if we could line up books for him for his Monsterpalooza appearance. Since Dark Delicacies is only about a mile from the convention site it would save him trying to ship books across country. We were more than happy to work out the logistics with him.

When the show was over I swung by his booth to pick up the extra copies to send back to the publisher. He handed me one box of books and said, “I’ve signed these so you can sell them in the store easier.” A class move by Gunner and another move that was personal. Something just for us from a friend.

Now he is gone. Oh sure, he’ll always live on film. But that’s the mythological Gunner.

The real Gunner was very different. That Gunner only lives inside each of us who knew him. We’re taking it very personal.

http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news...gunnar-hansen/

JamesG · 11-14-2015, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Torgo

Didn't you also watch Brutal Massacre: A Comedy? For some reason I thought you had mentioned watching it for Brian O'Halloran.

Torgo, you were right... I had mentioned Brutal Massacre before. It didn't click w/ me at the time for some odd reason.

I have to check it out again. I enjoy those mockumentary style flicks.

jaz.claxton · 09-19-2016, 05:31 AM

Wow, I'm just now reading about this. R.I.P. Gunnar Hansen

Dude111 · 09-20-2016, 02:55 PM

Very sad

11-08-2015, 04:34 AM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,434	Actor Gunnar Hansen (Leatherface, "Texas Chainsaw Massacre") 1947-2015 Link Gunnar Hansen, who played the iconic villain Leatherface in the original "Texas Chain Saw Massacre," died Saturday of pancreatic cancer at his home in Maine, his agent said. He was 68. Hansen starred in the 1974 film that has become a classic among horror-movie aficionados and spawned a series of sequels. In the movie, friends visiting their grandfather's house are hunted by Leatherface, a chain-saw wielding maniac. Hansen's character in the movie "is one of the most iconic evil figures in the history of cinema," said his agent, Mike Eisenstadt, who confirmed the death. In 2013, Hansen published his book "Chain Saw Confidential," which gave readers a behind-the-scenes look at how the film was made, Eisenstadt said. Hansen lived in Maine for about 40 years, where he worked as an actor and writer, Eisenstadt said. At the time of his death, Hansen was at work on a film called "Death House," his agent said. Hansen was a writer and producer of the film, which the Internet Movie Database says is about how a secret government facility becomes ground zero for the most horrific prison break in the history of mankind. The film is scheduled to come out next year, Eisenstadt said. Hansen was born in Reykjavik, Iceland. He came to the U.S. and studied at the University of Texas, where he majored in English and Scandinavian Studies, Eisenstadt said. Surviving Hansen is his partner of 13 years, Betty Tower.
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads. Last edited by Zoneboy; 11-08-2015 at 09:31 AM.

11-08-2015, 12:42 PM	#3
Torgo Omaha & Fritz Forum Star Join Date: Mar 06, 2004 Location: Oregon Posts: 19,037	RIP A truly underrated performance of Hansen's was in the movie Brutal Massacre: A Comedy. He totally stole the show as the local town drunk, Krenshaw.
	__________________ "I'm going to go do something productive. I'm gonna go watch television." - Ray Peterson, The 'burbs "I am the literary equivalent of a Big Mac and Fries." - Stephen King "There's nothing wrong with G-rated movies, as long as there's lots of sex and violence." - Elvira

11-10-2015, 02:01 AM	#8
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 57,168	Horror Legends Remember Gunnar Hansen Linnea Quigley “I vividly remember being cast in Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers and finding out that Gunnar would be in it and I was so scared that the idea of doing the movie terrified me. But it was one of my favorite films to do, even if I was a bit intimidated. He was tall, over 6 feet tall and I was so surprised that he was so nice and gentle. Once, at the end of a long, long day my car battery was dead and he helped me get it started and then later, he said to me while waiting to film, ‘Do you think anyone will remember me?’; that’s when I told him about doing conventions and doing other movies and then your fame would stick. ‘Do you think anyone would remember me?’ I think we know the answer to that. Love to ya, Gunnar…” http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news...gunnar-hansen/ Bill Moseley “So sad to hear of Gunnar’s passing. To me, he was the Dean of the Chainsaw family; anything Sawyer ultimately led to Gunnar. He was kind, wise, gentle and funny, and I will dearly miss him. We had so much fun together over the years on the convention circuit, most recently earlier this year at Horror Con UK in Sheffield, England, and acting together in Texas Chainsaw 3D. If there’s any consolation, it’s that Gunnar’s iconic and disturbing performance as Leatherface, horror’s greatest villain, will live on forever in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Best wishes to his sweet Betty. RIP, brother.” http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news...gunnar-hansen/ Jimmyo Burril Gunnar popped into my life in 1979 when I snuck into see The Texas Chainsaw Massacre at a midnight movie. The film changed my life, in the way I saw entertainment. Later as video made it easy to own your own copy of movies, TCM was my very first purchase. I didn’t know at that time that I would become friends with the guy on the cover. When we met, I was a fan boy. I asked the same questions everyone else did. Made the same comments about the film. Soon, we were making Chainsaw Sally, and he really seemed to love the character and the movie. Our friendship grew, over the years since 2003 and it wasn’t too long that the idea of Leatherface had slipped away, and it was Gunnar who was my friend, not some college student who had chased Marilyn Burns around in the woods for a few weeks years ago. My friend was very smart, very funny, very sweet, especially to my kids, whom now call him Uncle Gunnar. He was not Leatherface. He was just Gunn. However, we often, in picking mode, which there was a lot of, called each other Mr. Face, and Mr. Sally. We would, talk regularly, usually about nothing important. Sometimes it might have just be about what we were having for supper. We did have one tradition that I will share. When we went out, we usually got coffee, and nachos (The nachos were rarely to Mr. Face’s standards) which made the evening more fun as we had a common enemy… the cook. As we would part, in person or on the phone, one of us always added, “Don’t forget, you still owe me nachos.” I think it was our way of saying “I love you, and can’t wait to see you again soon.” So to my gentle friend… Mr. Face… You still owe me nachos dammit. http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news...gunnar-hansen/ Del Howison (Owner of Dark Delicacies) It’s hard to speak about Gunnar Hansen without getting personal. That’s the way the big man affected you. From the first time you saw him (inevitably as Leatherface in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre) to the last time you saw him (in photos after hearing of his passing) it was personal. His death leaves a hole and another part of an era is gone forever. The first time I met Gunnar was at a convention, the way many fans first meet him. I bought two odd pieces from him. A blood soaked apron, which he autographed, and a book on his wildlife kayak adventures on the eastern coastline of America. Talking with him you realized that, at that moment, you were the only person who mattered to him. He was direct, pleasant, and just due to his size somewhat intimidating. But it was personal. I’ve met him several times since then, of course, including a wonderful signing and talk at Dark Delicacies when he was hawking his book Chainsaw Confidential. On that visit Leatherface actor Dan Yeager dropped by to say hello as Gunnar had pulled a cameo in Dan’s film Texas Chainsaw 3D. For Gunnar there were no rivals, only friends. It was personal. About six months later Gunnar called from the East Coast asking us if we could line up books for him for his Monsterpalooza appearance. Since Dark Delicacies is only about a mile from the convention site it would save him trying to ship books across country. We were more than happy to work out the logistics with him. When the show was over I swung by his booth to pick up the extra copies to send back to the publisher. He handed me one box of books and said, “I’ve signed these so you can sell them in the store easier.” A class move by Gunner and another move that was personal. Something just for us from a friend. Now he is gone. Oh sure, he’ll always live on film. But that’s the mythological Gunner. The real Gunner was very different. That Gunner only lives inside each of us who knew him. We’re taking it very personal. http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news...gunnar-hansen/

11-08-2015, 12:35 PM	#2
Vahan Member Senior Member Join Date: Jan 14, 2008 Posts: 2,712	Man, first Marilyn Burns, now Gunnar Hansen. Rest in peace.

11-08-2015, 12:58 PM	#4
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 57,168	Very sad. Perhaps the only good thing about Texas Chainsaw 3D were the cameos by Hansen and Marilyn Burns. Besides TCM I've seen him in Campfire Tales, Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers and Hellblock 13 w/ Debbie Rochon.

11-08-2015, 01:28 PM	#7
HuntingtonM15 That Bothers Me Moderator Forum Star Join Date: Jun 20, 2003 Location: Metro Detroit Posts: 11,060	RIP to one of the most iconic horror villains. He will be very missed in the horror community. Although I never had the chance to meet him, I've heard nothing but great things from people who have.

09-19-2016, 05:31 AM	#10
jaz.claxton Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Sep 10, 2016 Location: USA Posts: 75	Wow, I'm just now reading about this. R.I.P. Gunnar Hansen

09-20-2016, 02:55 PM	#11
Dude111 Forum Legend Join Date: Nov 05, 2013 Posts: 36,583	Very sad