Steve Daskewisz, commonly billed as Steve Dash, (March 14, 1944 – December 18, 2018) was an American actor and stuntman. He is best known for his association with the masked killer character Jason Voorhees in the early Friday the 13th series, and for small on-screen and stunt roles in mainstream films of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Over his career he worked as a background actor, stunt performer and convention guest, building a niche reputation among horror fans.
Career and screen work
Daskewisz performed both stunts and non-speaking background roles. He is widely identified as one of the performers who portrayed Jason in Friday the 13th Part 2, serving as a stunt double and wearing the costume for several sequences. Film production on the sequel involved multiple performers for the character, and film credits and recollections have sometimes varied; nevertheless, Daskewisz embraced the association and became recognizable to fans of the franchise.
Beyond the horror series, he had small film appearances and stunt assignments in projects such as Wolfen and the 1980 remake of The Jazz Singer. Much of his work was in supporting, physical or stunt-focused capacities rather than lead acting roles. Later in life he maintained ties to the fan community by attending conventions and public events where he discussed his film work and met admirers.
Notable credits
- Friday the 13th Part 2 — stunt work and portrayal association with Jason Voorhees (film)
- Wolfen — small on-screen role and production work (film)
- The Jazz Singer — minor part and background performance
Death and legacy
Steve Daskewisz died on December 18, 2018, in West Palm Beach, Florida, from complications related to diabetes. He was 74. Within the horror and stunt communities he is remembered for his physical performances and for the role—however credited—in shaping the early visual identity of a long-running horror icon. Collectors, convention attendees and genre historians continue to reference his contributions when discussing the legacy of the Friday the 13th films.