Jonathan Tiersten, best known for the role of Ricky Thomas in Sleepaway Camp, has died.
Tiersten was born on August 11th 1965 in Queens, New York.
A lover of both music and theatre, Tiersten would combine both in high school, playing the French horn and guitar whilst studying drama.
Following his graduation from high school, Tiersten won the role of Ricky Thomas in 1983’s cult-classic slasher movie Sleepaway Camp. Telling the story of a series of brutal murders at the fictional Camp Arawak, the movie would become infamous for its shocking cliffhanger ending.
Tiersten’s performance as the foul-mouthed but well-meaning Ricky is still singled out for praise today, and had won the actor a slew of fans.
Following his feature debut, Tiersten would appear in two After School Specials for NBC, before studying acting at New York’s Circle in the Square Theatre School.
Although absent from acting throughout the nineties and early aughts, Tiersten was still an active force in music. During this time, he participated in several bands from New York’s Greenwich Village, before leaving the city and opening a music revue bar in Fort Collins, Colorado.
In 2003, alongside his musical endeavours, Tiersten would return to acting, reprising the role of Ricky Thomas for the anniversary sequel Return to Sleepaway Camp. However, the film would ultimately remain unreleased until 2008, owing to budgetary issues.
Since then, Tiersten has acted periodically, almost exclusively in genre material. In recent years, he has been seen in the likes of The Perfect House, Blood Reservoir, Lake of Shadows, and Time’s Up.
As well as acting, Tiersten remained active in music, fronting the band Jonathan Tiersten and the Ten Tiers for a number of years.
Tiersten’s death was announced on May 5th 2026. However, according to official reports and family members, he had died at least a week prior to the announcement.
The death remains under investigation by the Maplewood, New Jersey authorities, where Tiersten had been a resident for many years.
The actor is known to be survived by at least one child, as well as a brother, and many cousins.
Jonathan Tiersten was 60 years old.
Rest easy, Ricky.
