R.I.P.: J.P. Luebsen, Witchboard’s Malfeitor, has passed away

We have sad news to share about a very creepy character today, as director Kevin S. Tenney has confirmed that J.P. Luebsen, who had acting roles in his classic ’80s horror films Witchboard (watch it HERE) and Witchtrap, has passed away. Luebsen is best remembered for his chilling role as the evil, homicidal spirit Carlos Malfeitor in Witchboard.

Here’s what Tenney had to say about Luebsen on Facebook:

I first met JP Luebsen at an industry party when I was fresh out of film school. He was tall and thin, with striking, angular features, and he introduced himself as a photographer. I was in pre-production for my first feature film, and I knew instantly that I’d found my villain. It didn’t matter whether or not he could act; the villain had no lines and less than two minutes of screen time. The film was Witchboard, and the villain was Carlos Malfeitor. Some of my younger fans still have nightmares about him to this day.

When I helmed Witchtrap a couple of years later, I again chose JP to play the villain, even though his character Avery Lauter had important dialogue and plenty of screen time. I still didn’t know if JP could act, but since our budget was about a third of our previous film together, I needed someone I could trust to be punctual, professional, and pleasant. Turns out he was a fine actor, and his deep, gravely baritone voice made him an even better villain than I could’ve hoped.

But here’s the thing: although JP had a larger than life presence, he was the most genuine and down to earth, gentle soul I’ve ever met. He deeply loved his family and was fiercely loyal to his friends. I consider myself lucky to count myself among them. Whenever I needed him to make an appearance for a screening or signing or interview to promote one of our films, he was always there, as committed to his fans as he was to his friends. I found out over the weekend that JP passed away, and I miss him already. So RIP, my friend. My heart goes out to your daughter Terra and your entire family. If there really are such things as ghosts or spirits out there, we already know from past experience that you will make the best one ever…

Luebsen’s acting career only consisted of those two horror films and an appearance in a 2015 short called Flashback, but he made a very strong impression during his time in Witchboard and Witchtrap (which was marketed to draw in fans of Witchboard, then opens with a disclaimer notifying the viewer that it is not a sequel to Witchboard). As Tenney noted, he was a great villain. Now that he’s gone, I’m disappointed we didn’t get more Luebsen horror movie roles over the years.

Our sincere condolences go out to Luebsen’s family, friends, and fans. We thank him for bringing us Carlos Malfeitor and Avery Lauter.