David Hess, a composer who became an actor known for his work in grim thrillers, died October 7, 2011, in Tiburon, California. He was 75.

Hess, whose mother was an opera singer, was born in New York City on September 19, 1936. In the late 1950s he found work writing sings for Shalimar Music. Elvis Presley recorded his songs “I Got Stung” and “Make Me Know You’re Mine.”

He segued into film work and, in 1972, while composing the music for the slasher film Last House on the Left, he earned his first acting credit when he was hired to play the lead villain after the original actor bowed out.

That project led to roles in other grisly thrillers, including The Naked Prey and House on the Edge of the Park.

Hess also had guest roles on such television series as Baretta, Knight Rider, The Fall Guy and The A Team, and appeared in the made-for-TV movie 21 Hours at Munich. He most recently appeared in a 2010 episode of the USA cable series Royal Pains.

Prior to his death he completed several films yet to be released, including The House That Wept Blood, The House on the Edge of the Park Part II, Manson Rising and The Beautiful Outsiders.

He also produced three documentaries: Niki de Saint Phalle, about the painter and sculptor; The Green Monster, about Art Arfons; and 2010 short Steel Drums, Not Guns.

He is survived by his wife, three sons, a daughter, a brother and two sisters.