Jonathan Tiersten (August 11, 1965 – May 4, 2026) was an American actor and musician, best known for his role as Ricky Thomas in the cult horror film Sleepaway Camp (1983). After gaining early recognition for the performance, he continued to work in independent cinema and reprised the role in Return to Sleepaway Camp (2008). Alongside his acting career, Tiersten was active as a singer‑songwriter, fronting several bands and composing music for independent projects. He remained involved in creative work for more than four decades and maintained a dedicated following within the horror and independent arts communities. Tiersten studied acting at New York University.
Career
Tiersten worked in both film and music throughout his career, gaining recognition for his early acting roles and later for his work in independent cinema. In addition to acting, he performed as a singer‑songwriter and fronted several bands, remaining active in creative projects for more than four decades.
Death
Tiersten died on May 4, 2026, at the age of 60. His death was announced on May 5. News of his death was first reported by Forbes, which highlighted his long association with Sleepaway Camp and his continued popularity among fans of the franchise. The obituary noted that Tiersten remained active in both acting and music throughout his life, maintaining a dedicated following within the independent arts and horror communities.