Ken Kirzinger

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

In 1989, Kirzinger had a small role as a New York cook on Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan who gets in Jason's way while pursuing Rennie Wickham (Jensen Daggett) and Sean Robertson (Scott Reeves). Jason, played by Kane Hodder, threw Kirzinger over the counter. In addition to his role as the cook, Kirzinger served as a stunt coordinator for the film and also doubled for Jason during a few short scenes. This would make him only the second person besides Hodder to play Jason more than once during the course of the franchise. In 2003, Kirzinger was chosen over Kane Hodder to play Jason Voorhees in the film Freddy vs. Jason. The decision was mostly based on him being slightly taller than Hodder. Although he was disappointed, Hodder and Kirzinger still remain friends. During filming of Freddy vs. Jason, director Ronny Yu tried to limit Kirzinger's stunts on the film as much as possible. Instead stuntman Glenn Ennis was called in to perform a series of stunts, including a stunt showing Jason walking through a field killing teenagers while on fire.

In Their Own Story

The mud of the cemetery clung to heavy boots as the figure rose from the grave, lightning still crackling in the air above. There was no hesitation in the movement, only a grim purpose that had waited decades for release. The machete gleamed under the moonlight, reflecting eyes hidden behind a weathered hockey mask. With a slow, deliberate step forward, the killer tested his new strength against the earth, ready to reclaim what was lost.

Reader's Guide

Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives arrived in theaters during a pivotal moment for slasher cinema, revitalizing interest after previous installments. Ken Kirzinger stepped into the suit to portray the resurrected killer, bringing a unique physicality that differed from earlier iterations. While Kane Hodder would later define the role, Kirzinger's performance laid crucial groundwork for the character's undead movement and aggression. Behind the scenes, the production utilized practical effects to sell the lightning strike revival. Kirzinger worked closely with stunt coordinators to ensure safety while maintaining the menacing presence required by director Steve Miner. Interviews from the era highlight the difficulty of performing in the heavy rubber mask and costume under hot lights for extended takes. The film was a commercial success, proving that audiences were ready for Jason's return. Kirzinger's contribution remains a celebrated footnote among horror enthusiasts who study the evolution of Jason Voorhees. His work bridged the gap between the slow stalking killer and the active slasher of the late eighties.

Did You Know?

• Kirzinger was chosen over Kane Hodder to play Jason in Freddy vs. Jason mostly because he was slightly taller than Hodder.
• Despite losing the role, Hodder and Kirzinger still remain friends.
• Kirzinger doubled for Jason during a few short scenes in Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan, making him only the second person besides Hodder to play Jason more than once in the franchise.
• In Freddy vs. Jason, director Ronny Yu tried to limit Kirzinger's stunts, so stuntman Glenn Ennis performed a stunt showing Jason walking through a field killing teenagers while on fire.
• Kirzinger started his career as a stunt performer in the early 1980s, appearing in Superman III.