Marilyn Burns death: Texas Chain Saw Massacre actress dies aged 65

The actress played one of the only characters to survive in the 1974 slasher horror film

Texas Chain Saw Massacre actress Marilyn Burns has died, aged 65.

She was found by her family yesterday Tuesday 5 August in her Houston home. Her cause of death is not yet known.

“She was found unresponsive by a family member this morning in her Houston, TX area home,” her representative said in a statement to E! News. “Her family asks for privacy at this time. Further details will be released later.”

Born in Pennsylvania, and raised in Texas, Burns is best known for playing Sally Hardesty in Tobe Hooper’s 1974 film, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre – one of the only characters who managed to survive the violent attacks of main antagonist Leatherface.

“Afterwards, I was just so grateful it was over,” she revealed in a 2004 interview. “I probably was the happiest girl alive.

"I ran through dark woods chased by someone holding a live chainsaw!“ she continued. "Where was my head?

“Sure it was tough, but I enjoyed every minute of it. I wouldn't have traded the experience for love or money.”

She also appeared in Hooper’s next horror film Eaten Alive. Burns also featured in television miniseries Helter Skelter, which documented the trial of Charles Manson, which was nominated for three Emmy awards.

She later played roles in more recent incarnations of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre including a 3D version and 1994's Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation, which starred Renee Zellweger and Matthew McConaughey.