Gunnar Hansen dead

You knew him has Leatherface--the psychopathic killer in the original TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE. His real name was Gunnar Hansen.. and today, according to his publicist, he is dead at the age of 68..

MORE//

Hansen, who was born in Reykjavik, Iceland and moved to the U.S. at age 5, got his first role as the iconic, chainsaw-wielding Leatherface in 1973.

People who met him were reportedly in shock because he was so unlike the psychotic character from the classic horror film.

His role was memorable and achieved a deep fan base in horror circles..

This has been a tremendously bad year for horror icons.. Hansen now joins the crowd of people gone too soon in the world of entertainment in 2015..

Gunnar Hansen, best known for his role as Leatherface in "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre," died at the age of 68 on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015. <span class=meta>AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty</span>

HISTORY