Actor James Winburn, stuntman for Michael Myers in 1978 Halloween film, dies at 85

James Winburn, who doubled as Michael Myers in the original 1978 Halloween film, died at 85. Winburn's management revealed on Monday that he died on November 19 after an unspecified illness.

On Halloween, the stuntman wore the white colour mask for scenes that actors like Tony Moran and Nick Castle, who both played Michael Myers in the original film, were unable to do. The actor memorably played Michael Myers at the moment in which Dr Loomis by Donald Pleasence shot the crazed character six times, forcing him to fall from the balcony and vanish.

Winburn reprised his role in the 1981 sequel Halloween II and was given credit for stunts in films such as Tron, Escape From New York, The Night Stalker, Colors, Glory, etc. He has worked on several television shows, including The Bionic Woman. Among others, the actor has body doubled for David Hasselhoff, Stan Lee, Barry Bostwick, and Peter O'Toole.

Winburn also directed three films, including The Evil Altar in 1988, The Death Merchant in 1991, and Miami Beach Cops in 1993. Monopoly Events which had shown Winburn at its For the Love of Horror fan conference last month, paid homage to the late actor on Twitter when his death was revealed.

FAQs:

1. Why is Halloween 1978 so important?
   When it was released in 1978, John Carpenter's nerve-wracking thriller became the most successful independent film of all time, setting the standard for modern horror and influencing future filmmakers for years to come.
2. Who is the murderer on Halloween 1978?
   Myers Michael is the film's murderer.