13 Things You Didn't Know About Friday The 13th Part III

5. Larry Zerner Was Cast Because Of Mad Max 2

Friday the 13th Part III Shelly Finkelstein
Paramount Pictures

The character of Shelly Finkelstein is one of the most popular (or unpopular) of the entire Friday the 13th franchise, with Larry Zerner as the man behind Shelly.

Forever annoying his pals with pranks, ol' Shelly is simply desperate to be liked. The problem is, he thinks faking his death or pretending to be some maniac who's dragging someone into Crystal Lake is the way to make friends.

As stated countless times by Zerner himself - such as at Screamfest 2023 - he actually landed this role, partly, due to The Road Warrior, aka Mad Max 2. 18 years of age at the time, Larry was handing out tickets for a preview showing of The Road Warrior in Westwood, Los Angeles when he was spotted by Friday the 13th Part III writers Martin Kitrosser and Carol Watson.

Upon seeing Zerner, they explained how they had the perfect role for him. He'd still have to audition for that role, but that's how Larry Zerner winded up as Shelly.

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