‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ Actor Dies at 65

Pirates of the Caribbean and Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 stuntman and actor Bob Elmore has died at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable film moments and a devoted fanbase.

Elmore’s career in Hollywood spanned decades, with some of his most recognizable work happening behind the scenes. He portrayed the executioner in the 2007 film Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End and performed stunt work on the 2003 hit The Curse of the Black Pearl. But horror fans knew him best as the stunt double for Leatherface in the 1986 cult classic The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2. While actor Bill Johnson donned the iconic skin mask, it was Elmore who brought Leatherface’s terrifying violence to life on screen, performing all of the killer’s gruesome stunts.

News of his passing was shared by his Chainsaw co-star Caroline Williams, who took to Instagram with an emotional tribute. “My dear Bob Elmore has passed…” she wrote, alongside a photo of stars in the night sky. Fans and friends quickly flooded the comments with their condolences and memories. “I’m literally at work crying right now after hearing this. Bob was the man,” one fan posted. Others remembered him as not only a Hollywood talent, but also a kind and generous person who always made time for horror convention-goers.

Elmore’s wife also shared her grief on Facebook, writing, “I was thankful and blessed to be Mrs. Leatherface, but even better, Mrs. Bob Elmore.” Her touching message reflected the deep bond they shared, and the impact he had on those closest to him.

In addition to his work in the Pirates and Chainsaw franchises, Elmore worked on numerous other productions throughout the 1980s and 1990s, often in physically demanding roles that showcased his dedication to stunt work. From wild brawls to high-risk action sequences, Elmore’s body of work helped shape many iconic movie moments—even if audiences didn’t always know his name.

The horror convention Horror Realm also paid tribute to him in a heartfelt social media post. “Awful news coming out that Bob Elmore has passed away. We were fortunate to have him as a guest at Horror Realm a few years back,” the organizers wrote on Facebook. “He was booked to join us again in 2026, and we are heartbroken we won’t have a chance to see him one more time. Our condolences to Bob’s family.”

Elmore’s cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. Though he may have worked in the shadows of Hollywood’s biggest monsters, Bob Elmore was a giant in the eyes of fans and peers alike—one of the rare performers whose physical commitment helped define entire film genres.