Sleepaway Camp actor Jonathan Tiersten found dead at 60 in his New Jersey home from unknown causes

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By SHARON MAI, ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER

Published: 16:56 BST, 5 May 2026 | Updated: 17:00 BST, 5 May 2026

Jonathan Tiersten died at the age of 60 at his home in New Jersey last week.

The actor was best known for his role as Ricky Thomas in the 1983 cult classic Sleepaway Camp and a couple of the following sequel films.

His brother William Tiersten confirmed the tragic news and also said the medical examiner is still investigating the cause of death, per TMZ

He began on television in the early 1980s and made appearances in shows like the NBC soap Another World. 

His breakout role was in the 1983 horror film, and he subsequently starred in two of the four sequel films — Return to Sleepaway Camp (2008) and Sleepaway Camp IV: The Survivor (2012).

The cult classic slasher that was released in the 80s follows teenagers at summer camp, which becomes the site of a series of gruesome murders. 

Jonathan Tiersten passed away at the age of 60 at his home in New Jersey last week, his brother confirmed on Tuesday; pictured in June 2011

The actor was best known for his role as Angela's cousin, Ricky Thomas, in the 1983 cult classic Sleepaway Camp

He was a teenager at the time when he made his feature film debut as Angela's (Felissa Rose) cousin Ricky in the original film. 

Following his roles in Sleepaway Camp, Tiersten demonstrated his passion and mastery of the genre.

He went on to star in horror flicks, such as The Perfect House, Terror Tales and Time's Up. 

He also starred in thrillers such as Lake of Shadows, Last American Horror Show: Volume II, Redemption and many more. 

One of his critically acclaimed roles was his portrayal of fictional serial killer John Doesy in the 2012 horror anthology The Perfect House.

For his role in the film, he won and was nominated for a number of awards at film festivals.

He earned the award for best supporting actor at the Macabre Faire Film Festival the year after the movie was released.

In addition to acting, he was also a musician. He was the frontman, doing vocals and playing the guitar, of his band Jonathan Tiersten and Ten Tiers.

His breakout role was in the 1983 horror film, and he subsequently starred in two of the four sequel films — Return to Sleepaway Camp (2008) and Sleepaway Camp IV: The Survivor (2012)

One of his critically acclaimed roles was his portrayal of fictional serial killer John Doesy in the 2012 horror anthology The Perfect House. For his role in the film, he won and was nominated for a number of awards at film festivals

In addition to acting, he was also a talented guitarist and singer with his own band

His IMDb profile highlights his music career and reads: 'As a singer/songwriter, Tiersten made his presence felt on the Greenwich Village folk-rock/roots rock circuit in the late 1980s and early 1990s as one-half of the acoustic duo The Magic Box. 

'Tiersten (whose first solo album, Heaven, was released in 1998) also has been a member of the alternative funk-rock band Gaphiltaphunk, and now leads the band TEN TIERS, whose debut album, Don’s Club Tavern: Part 1, was released in 2006.'

He studied acting at New York University prior to his breakout role and his legacy as a genre-defining star.

Many of his fans took to social media to share their condolences as well as heartwarming stories about meeting him at conventions. 

Tiersten is survived by his son and siblings.

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