Halloween actor James Winburn dies at 85: The star played Michael Myers in the original 1978 film

Actor James Winburn, who played Michael Myers in the original 1978 Halloween film, has died aged 85.

He was Myers when Dr Loomis shot him six times and caused him to fall of the balcony in the classic movie. 

James returned as psychotic Michael Myers in 1981 sequel Halloween II, and was credited for stunts in acclaimed films including Escape From New York, Tron, Colors, The Night Stalker, Glory and The Couch Trip. 

James is believed to have passed over the weekend from an undisclosed health issue, but his passing only emerged on Monday.

A sad loss for showbusiness: Actor James Winburn, who played Michael Myers in the original 1978 Halloween film, has died aged 85. Seen in 2013 in Las Vegas

So scary: A shot from the blockbuster film that spawned many sequels

Monopoly Events, which last month featured James in its For the Love of Horror fan convention, paid tribute to him on Twitter.

The company said on Monday: ‘We are extremely sad to learn of the passing of James Winburn, who joined us for @ftlohorror last month.

‘James was an absolute pleasure to work and shared some amazing stories with everyone over the weekend. Our sincere condolences go out to his family, friends and fans. #RIP.’

Monster-Mania Con, which also runs horror conventions, paid a similar tribute after the actor reportedly missed its 2022 event due to ill health.

The firm said on Facebook: ‘Sad to learn of the passing of James Winburn today.

He will be missed: James, also a famed Hollywood stuntman, is believed to have passed over the weekend from an undisclosed health issue, but his passing only emerged on Monday. Seen in 2009 

‘James was an absolute pleasure to work with and we had hoped to see him again for our show in Oaks, PA but sadly a health issue prevented that.

‘James was always appreciative of the Halloween fans and truly enjoyed meeting everyone. Our sincere condolences go out to his family, friends and fans.’

The star combined his acting and stunt skills in several scenes in John Carpenter’s Halloween film, including the finale when he tumbled from a window after being shot before vanishing – starting one of the world’s biggest and longest-running horror film franchises.

She was in the film too: Jamie Lee Curtis with a knife in hand in the 1978 film Halloween

She still stuns: Curtis at the premiere of Halloween Ends held at TCL Chinese Theatre in October in Los Angeles