Gunnar Hansen was an Icelandic-American actor and author, best known for his iconic role as Leatherface in the 1974 horror film “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.” Here are some key points about his life and career:
- Early Life: Gunnar Milton Hansen was born on March 4, 1947, in Reykjavik, Iceland. He moved to the United States with his family when he was five years old.
- Education: Hansen grew up in Maine and later attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he studied English and Scandinavian Studies.
- The Texas Chain Saw Massacre: Hansen’s portrayal of Leatherface in Tobe Hooper’s “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” is what he is most remembered for. His performance as the chainsaw-wielding antagonist left a lasting impact on the horror genre.
- Career After Leatherface: While Hansen’s role as Leatherface defined his career, he appeared in several other films, including “Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers” (1988), “Mosquito” (1995), and “Reykjavik Whale Watching Massacre” (2009).
- Writing: Hansen was also an accomplished writer. He authored several books, including “Chain Saw Confidential,” which provides a behind-the-scenes look at the making of “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.”
- Later Life and Death: Hansen continued to work in film and writing throughout his life. He passed away on November 7, 2015, at the age of 68 from pancreatic cancer.
- Legacy: Gunnar Hansen is remembered as a key figure in the horror film community. His portrayal of Leatherface remains one of the most memorable and influential performances in horror cinema.
Hansen’s contributions to film and literature have left a lasting legacy, particularly in the horror genre, where he is celebrated for his chilling performance and his insights into the filmmaking process.
