The news was shared by his son, Ian Miller, who announced his father's passing on Monday, though a cause of death was not immediately disclosed.

In a heartfelt tribute, Ian Miller remembered his father as "almost always the smartest, funniest person in whatever room he was in," crediting him with inspiring a love for photography, music, and storytelling. He added, "He had a helluva run and will be missed dearly." Fittingly, a celebration of life is planned for November — on a Friday the 13th, of course.

Miller's most enduring legacy is undoubtedly the 1980 horror classic Friday the 13th. He penned the script for Sean S. Cunningham's seminal film, collaborating with Ron Kurz to craft the terrifying tale that would introduce audiences to Camp Crystal Lake and lay the groundwork for one of cinema's most famous and long-running franchises. While Friday the 13th spawned numerous sequels, Miller's screenwriting contribution was solely to the original, which remains a cornerstone of the slasher genre. He reunited with Cunningham for the 1982 thriller A Stranger Is Watching.

Beyond the silver screen, Miller was a prolific writer for television, contributing to many beloved daytime dramas. His extensive credits include One Life to Live, Another World, Guiding Light, General Hospital, and All My Children.

Professor Rel Dowdell, director of film studies at Hampton University, underscored Miller's impact in a statement: "Visionary screenwriter Victor Miller unequivocally etched his name in the classic horror film genre pantheon by penning the original script for the first Friday the 13th film. The screenplay, along with the film’s taut direction and production, launched one of the most famed and enduring franchises in history for over four decades."

Miller is survived by his wife, two sons, and his grandson.

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