November 4, 1959, marks the birth date of Ken Kirzinger in Saskatchewan, Canada, a performer whose career bridge between stunt coordination and screen acting has spanned four decades. Educated at Oak Bay High School, he established himself within the film industry by balancing high-stakes physical choreography with recurring roles in major horror franchises.
Early Stunt Work
Kirzinger entered the film industry during the early 1980s. His initial contributions focused on stunt performance, starting with the production of Superman III. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, his portfolio grew to include significant stunt and coordination roles on television programs such as 21 Jump Street and The Commish, alongside feature films like Shoot to Kill, Look Who's Talking, Bird on a Wire, and the project It.
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In 1989, Kirzinger appeared in Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan. He held three distinct roles during this production: a background part as a New York cook, a stunt coordinator, and a double for the character of Jason Voorhees. This involvement marked a significant intersection with the franchise that would later define his public profile, as it established him as one of the few actors to portray the character on more than one occasion.
Leading Horror Roles
The year 2003 brought a shift in Kirzinger's career when he was cast as Jason Voorhees in Freddy vs. Jason. Director Ronny Yu selected him over Kane Hodder, citing Kirzinger's physical stature as a deciding factor. Although Glenn Ennis was brought in for specific fire-related stunts during production, Kirzinger became cemented as a notable figure in the horror genre. He later expanded his resume with roles such as Pa in Wrong Turn 2: Dead End in 2007 and Rusty Nail in the 2014 film Joy Ride 3: Roadkill.
Fast facts
- Born: 1959, Saskatchewan
- Education: Oak Bay High School
- Career Start: Early 1980s
- Notable Role: Jason Voorhees in Freddy vs. Jason (2003)
- Notable Role: Pa in Wrong Turn 2: Dead End (2007)
- Notable Role: Rusty Nail in Joy Ride 3: Roadkill (2014)
- Documentary Appearances: His Name Was Jason (2009), Crystal Lake Memories (2013)
Questions readers ask
Did Ken Kirzinger perform all his own stunts in Freddy vs. Jason?
No, while he was the lead actor for the role, stuntman Glenn Ennis was hired to perform specific sequences, including the scene where the character walks through a field while on fire.
Why was Kirzinger chosen for the role of Jason Voorhees instead of Kane Hodder?
Director Ronny Yu chose Kirzinger primarily because he was slightly taller than Hodder.
Achievements
- Worked as actor, film actor and stunt performer
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