KEY POINT
Victor Miller wrote the screenplay for Friday the 13th, released in 1980.
His son Ian confirmed his death and remembered him as a gifted storyteller.
Miller said the film’s concept was initially inspired by John Carpenter’s Halloween.
Victor Miller, whose screenplay helped shape Friday the 13th, has died at the age of 86. His son Ian announced the death on Instagram and paid tribute to his father’s intelligence, humor and creative influence.
Ian said Miller inspired in him and others a lasting appreciation for photography, music and storytelling. He also confirmed that Miller is survived by his wife, two sons and a grandson.
The family plans to hold a celebration of Miller’s life in November. According to Ian, the event will take place on a Friday the 13th, giving the tribute a direct connection to the horror franchise that became closely associated with his career.
Released in 1980, Friday the 13th became an important title in the development of the slasher genre. The movie helped popularize a summer-camp setting alongside storylines involving teenage behavior and danger.
Miller had previously explained that the film’s creative starting point came from another influential horror movie. In comments to a Friday the 13th fan site, he said the initial concept was to emulate John Carpenter’s Halloween, which had been released in 1978.
Miller’s comments also provide insight into how the project developed before it received its now-famous title. He explained that the title Friday the 13th was chosen only after the screenplay had already gone through at least one draft.
That detail separates the film’s original creative process from the identity it ultimately established. The project began with the idea of following the approach of Halloween before the final title became part of the screenplay’s development.
In his tribute, Ian described his father as someone who was almost always the smartest and funniest person in the room. He said Miller had inspired his own interest in photography, music and storytelling and concluded that his father had “a helluva run” and would be deeply missed.
Miller’s family has confirmed that a celebration of life will take place in November. Ian said the gathering will be held on Friday the 13th.
Who was Victor Miller?
Victor Miller was the screenwriter behind the 1980 horror film Friday the 13th.
How old was Victor Miller?
Miller was 86 when he died.
What inspired Friday the 13th?
Miller said the initial concept was inspired by John Carpenter’s Halloween, released in 1978.
