Actress Betsy Palmer ('Friday the 13th') Dies

Actress Betsy Palmer has died. She was 88.

Palmer was probably best known for her role as the psychotic killer chef in "Friday the 13th," the classic horror film which introduced Jason to the world as a new character of horror.

Palmer died of natural causes at a hospice center in Connecticut, her longtime manager Brad Lemack announced.

Though best known for her role as Jason's revenge-seeking mother Mrs. Voorhees in the campy 80's classic "Friday the 13th," Palmer was actually a very accomplished film, television, and Broadway actress. Later in her life, she woud say she only took the role in "Friday the 13th" because she needed the money to buy a new car. Something we can probably all relate to.

"My agent called and was like, 'How would you like to do a movie?'" she had reportedly said of taking the role. She was also certain no one would see the small picture. Alas, she was mistaken. The film, half silly, half terrifying, rocketed her to a household name.

Though she could never shake the role, her acting career spanned over five decades.

She also appeared in television shows dating back to the 1950's. She has appeared in "Kraft Theatre," "Playhouse 90," "Studio One," "The Love Boat," "Knots Landing," "Newhart," "Just Shoot Me," and "Murder, She Wrote."

She has also appeared in films like "Mr. Roberts," "The Long Gray Line," "Queen Bee," and "The Tin Star."

Ms. Palmer is survived by her daughter, Melissa Merendino.