Unmasked: : The True Story of The World's Most Prolific, Cinematic Killer

by Michael Aloisi, Adam Green (Foreword), Kane Hodder (As told by)

Unmasked documents the unlikely true story of a boy who was taunted and beaten relentlessly by bullies throughout his childhood. Kane only escaped his tormentors when he moved to a tiny island in the South Pacific where he lived for all of his teen years. After living shirtless in a jungle for a while, he headed back to America where he fell in love with doing stunts-only to have his love burn him, literally. For the first time ever, Kane tells the true story of the horrific burn injury that nearly killed him at the start of his career. The entire heart-wrenching, inspirational story of his recovery, the emotional and physical damage it caused, his fight to break back into the industry that almost killed him, and his triumphant rise to become a film legend are told in Kane's own powerful voice. Take a peek inside the head of the man behind the mask. Be inspired by his triumphant comeback and laugh at his on-set hijinks as you unmask the world's most prolific, cinematic killer.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Horror, Autobiography, Film, Memoir, Audiobook

446 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Michael Aloisi is the author of over a dozen published books, including his latest, A Life With Ghosts (Simon & Schuster). Having written numerous celebrity biographies, including ones for film legends, Kane Hodder, Tom Savini and Paranormal icon Steve Gonsalves, Michael has had the fortune to book signings in numerous countries and more than half of the states. He has also had his books turned into a reality show, a documentary film, translated into several languages and featured on hundreds of media outlets around the world.

In the fiction world, Michael has written numerous short story collections and novels, including Pieces (co-written with Rebecca Rowland, Dark Ink Books) that was selected as a “Essential Read of 2019 by Rue Morgue Magazine. Under his pen name, Michael Gore, he has released three horror short story collections, the first of which, Tales From a Mortician is in talks to be turned into a film. Two more collections are set to be released under the Gore banner in 2023.

Michael is also the founder and owner of AM Ink Publishing and its imprints, Dark Ink and Spooky Ink. Since opening in 2009, Mike has overseen the publication of over a hundred titles that have sold tens of thousands of books all over the world.

Education wise, Michael has three college degrees, an MFA in Creative Writing, BFA in Film Production and an AS in Television production. Michael currently lives in Western Massachusetts with his wife and their ten-year-old twins.

Reviews

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This probably deserves a 5 based on Kane Hodder’s personality alone, he just came across as a really, really likable guy, and it was a ton of fun getting to know him. And then it was absolutely fascinating/horrifying to read about what he went through after being badly burned (over 50% of his body) during a fire stunt; the reprehensible level of medical “care” he received for 4 months afterward from a bullshit doctor nearly got him killed. He was put through so much needless agony, his treatment was so gruesomely mismanaged, it was astounding he even managed to survive that harrowing, nightmarish ordeal. Anyway, enduring those horrific burns, and then the horror movie-level, scary bad medical treatments, and then coming out the other side having the inner strength and determination to go on to have a career doing more fire stunts, is probably what he’s most famous for, aside from his recurring role as Jason Voorhees in the Friday the 13th franchise, that is. And all of that was definitely unputdownable material, really riveting shit. But, I have to say, since I found him so goddamn cool, the entire book was actually super interesting to me—from his time as a teenager on Kwajalein Island, to fan mail containing a vial of somebody’s freakin man juice (ewww), I just found the whole thing a total blast to read. And he has a great sense of humor too, exactly as dark as you’d expect. So, highly recommended for Friday the 13th fans, and also for anyone else looking for an autobiography of a relentless, dedicated, badass human being who doesn’t seem to know the meaning of the word quit.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this autobiography. I've met Kane several times, and enjoyed his films and this was a real treat to read. It's very candid and at times he shares very intimate secrets about his live and experiences. If you enjoy horror films, his films, or just want to read about the struggle of a stunt man you should check this one out!

[Susan Rutherford-Estes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I talked with Kane Hodder tonight, Saturday June 2nd, told him I was going to start his book and would let him know what I thought in September. He has guaranteed me I will cry.

I just finished the book. I laughed, cried and looked at the book in disbelief. I couldn't put it down! Can't wait to discuss it with Kane in September.

[Ron Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

There isn't much to it but still entertaining to read. He's most famous for playing horror icon Jason. He's had an interesting life. Grew up in the South Pacific. Almost died after being burned over 75% of his body in a stunt gone wrong. He was one of the first celebrities I ever met. He nearly broke my foot, accidentally stepping on it while walking through a Horror Hound convention. It's a shame he wasn't cast in Freddy Vs Jason. They need to hurry up and make a new one.

[Roope Kanninen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jason on aina ollut suosikki slashertappajani ja katsoin leffoista ensimmäisinä seitsemännen ja kahdeksannen, joilla myös Kane Hodder aloitti hahmon näyttelyn. Ajattelin siis tämän kirjan olevan sopivaa luettavaa ennen tämän viikon perjantai kolmattatoista. Sinällään olen iloinen etten juuri välitä Jasonin näyttelijöistä, koska tämä kirja luultavasti vain haittaisi katselunautintoa. Hodder kerskuu olevansa "asshole" ja kirjan perusteella siltä vaikuttaakin. Ymmärrän silti miehen suosion, koska intohimo hahmoon ja työhön ylipäätään välittyy tekstistä vahvasti. Oli myös todella kiintoisaa oppia enemmän stunttityöntekijöiden tehtävistä.

[Joel Bartlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Unmasked: The True Story of the World's Most Prolific, Cinematic Killer" by Kane Hodder and coauthor Michael Aloisi, is an engaging read about the hardships, perseverance, and redemption of Kane Hodder's life and career which proves to be a highly intriguing story. Before reading this book I had only a limited knowledge about Kane except for that I knew he played the role of Jason in Friday the 13th four consecutive times and that he also suffered an uncontrolled burn in Friday the 13th Part VII. I have personally seen all of the Friday the 13th movies and as it stands Friday the 13th Part VII is at the top of my list for the series. The costume/makeup work is my favorite of the series and the physicality that Kane brought to the role is striking and memorable. My enjoyment of Part VII motivated me to pick up this book and to learn more about the man behind the mask. Immediately Kane's childhood hardships are delved into which is a slow and saddening start though it's necessary to know to get the full picture of how Kane would be socialized growing up. We get to know a lot about Kane's humble beginnings as a stuntman and how hard he had to fight to make it in the entertainment industry; along with how he also had to fight through a gruesome accident that would change his life forever. Kane's story of humble beginnings and redemption from his accident culminates to him getting the role as Jason in Friday the 13th Part VII. His insights on the Friday the 13th movies as well as the other movies he's starred in are interesting and at times hilarious. Kane has a great voice for being the narrator of the book. It feels as if he could be sitting down right in front of you and saying the exact same words as he does in the book. This book quickly became more than I expected; it holds a lot of important life lessons such as the trials and tribulations of adolescence, finding the will to go on when everything looks bleak, and having to continually fight to achieve your dreams. These are life lessons that may come off as cliché if told by someone else, however with Kane's voice and life story you really feel the impact of his words and the lessons he's learned. I got much more out of this book than I ever dreamed I would. This is a MUST READ for fans of the Friday the 13th series, as well as for anyone looking for an intriguing and ultimately uplifting story of perseverance and redemption.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went to a Detroit horror convention this year, I stopped by Mike Aloisi's table (the coauthor of the book) and started talking to him about writing and Kane. As I was talking to Mike, Kane came up from behind and put a playful chokehold on me.

Kane is most famous for playing Jason Voorhies in some of the Friday the 13th movies. I have met Kane on several occasions at conventions and have always been intrigued by him as a person and as an actor. The more I talked to Mike the more I liked him and I wanted to not only support him as an author, but I wanted to read more about Kane as well. Besides, if you bought both books, they both signed them for free.

After reading the book, I found myself doing exactly what they said that I would. I laughed, cried, was shocked and moved. I loved reading about his life, his struggles and his ability to overcome incredible odds. I was inspired that someone could have as much drive and determination as he has. In a way, I have been inspired by him as well.

[Karl · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the die hard fans or the newly inducted one who are into horror films, this is a great book into the life of an underground legend. Kane tells the story of his upbringing, the accident that damaged his body and his upward climb to regain his health and start his career. A great combination of funny, sad and brutal honesty, this book will keep you interested. Having met the man himself recently, he is all of what he says in his book and more. A really great guy with a unique story. I recommend it highly.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Couldn't put down. If you're a fan of Kane Hodder's and his movies you should check this book out. Read my official review of this book @ Shivers of Horror

[Kurt Criscione · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy hell what a good read, i had no idea some of the movies Kane had been in... usually as a double or coordinating the stunts, but its a huge assortment. He's also a pretty funny guy. Perfect book.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Kane Hodder fan this was an obvious choice. I am so glad I read it, it's informative and heart wrenching.

This book talks you through the ups and downs of Kane's life and career and the consequences of his time as an aspiring and inexperienced stunt man.

[C.p. Bialois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, first off, I have to admit I’m a huge Kane Hodder fan. My introduction to him was as Jason in Friday the 13th Part VII and I loved watching him work ever since. So, when I had the chance to grab his biography and read it, I didn’t hesitate.

One of the things that jumps out right away is his straight honesty. He’s brutally honest about what he’s thinking, why he did things, and how he feels about it. His honesty also goes two ways, meaning he’s just as honest about himself as he is about others, and that’s a refreshing and awesome quality that really brought his life’s adventures out as more than just a few statements.

Because of that, we’re allowed to see a part of the man that he’s kept private for years and that’s a blessing many don’t share. There are several aspects where I can totally understand him from his “love” of a doctor to his sense of humor. While my medical experiences (I’ve never been severely burned) have been no where near as serious as his, it’s both cool and inspiring to hear how he dealt with it and survived to do some great work with burn victims. His sense of humor is, well, unique, and similar to mine. That’s all I’m going to say on that one. You’ll just have to read the book to find out what I mean. For those of you that know me, you’ll see the similarities. Lol

As with all biographies, we’re in danger or having our visions of what someone we love to watch perform shatter our expectations, and while that may be the case for some, for me, this brought a deeper understanding and appreciation for the work he’s put in over the years and I hope to see him continue and be an inspiration to everyone he meets.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh!
I read this book originally right after it came out. I borrowed it from my son in law. Not being a horror fan, I took his word about it being good. I didn't really remember much of it.
Flash forward to the end of 2022. I took to reading books on my Nook (even though I prefer the feel of a book), which I had put a number of books on.
Finishing several romances, I wanted something different to read. I found "The Killer & I" in my library and decided to read it. It was so hilarious and touching that I decided to buy the next one, the "Killer & I, On The Road...To Hell" to read. Again, hilarious and touching.
So that brought me to the purchase of "Unmasked." Let's just say I had forgotten so much about reading it the first time that I couldn't get enough of it this time.
Kane Hodder, by the wonderful work of Mike Aloisi, is really TELLING you his story! You feel like he's sitting down talking to you about his life. It's amazing. I've never read a book quite like it.
Once again, hilarious but much more touching than the journals Mike kept through their writing of this book and touring together to promote its release. The stuff he went through as a kid, his burns, and then his success is just amazing.
If you're not a horror fan, read this anyway. You WILL NOT be disappointed.

[David Bril · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a surprisingly deep memoir about a man who is mostly known for playing demon serial killers like Jason and Victor Krowly. Kane really digs deep into things about his life and his personality. The story about how he got badly burned, is terrifying, disgusting and heart breaking. His openness about the strange things he does (he makes his family strip naked and shower before they can enter his house.... he has to piss in the dressing room of one of his victims anytime he is playing a serial killer) as well as his clear issues with anger management, make for a really deep look in to the mind of a tortured soul. This one really surprised me and is an easy light read, that will be entertaining for anyone to read.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real life Superman

I had the pleasure of meeting Kane at a convention in February. He was so funny and down to earth and his Q&A panel was nothing short of amazing. I immediately bought his book and just had to read more about the man. This book gives great insight into the man behind the mask that we’ve all grown to love. Thanks Kane for having the courage to share your personal stories and thank you for being a real life Superman. <3

[Patrick Rahall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal

I respected Kane before I read this book, but now after reading his stories and knowing, as much as one can from the printed word, what he went through to get to where he is today, my respect for him increased exponentially. It's an incredible story, and both he and Michael Aloisi were able to tell it in a way that really hits you emotionally. There is humor and heart in this book, which isn't what you'd expect from a work with this title, nor the subject of it.

[Francesca Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, This book is definitely an inspiring read, covering all of Kane’s life from his childhood living on a little island through his break into the stunt world and subsequent success and even the heart wrenching story of his burns and treatment. I can guarantee you will cry but you’ll also laugh at all his stories of high jinx on the various film sets through his career. It’s a book that you won’t put down and will come back to read over and over. Incredible book for an incredible man.

[Deshawn Vasquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A vulnerable and funny autobiography. I was familiar with Kane Hodder's work because I'm a horror nut and I did watch To Hell and Back so I already knew the extent of his burn accident and excruciating road to recovery, but I figured the book would have details the documentary wouldn't, and I was right. Good for both horror fans (whether Friday the 13th or otherwise) and people who think stuntman don't get nearly enough respect.

[Michael Durbin · Rating 5 out of 5]

From meeting Kane Hodder at a Scarefest convention last year to reading this book, I have come to learn and appreciate more of him. He is a strong advocate for burn victims, a jokester, and a really down to earth do anything for anybody guy. Since I grew up watching the Friday the 13th movies, I really liked his rise to the true Jason and the fall that didn’t crush him dreams much but helped him to develop another creature of film…Victor Crowley. Great book!

[Wendy Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly fascinating!! I never knew he was burned as badly as he was & what he went through. Kane Hodder has always been my favorite Jason and after reading this book, I respect him even more. Very entertaining and eye opening, definitely my favorite book so far this year.

[Vince Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you don't think a book about a stuntman can be entertaining or good, read this one. Kane's story is nothing short of fantastic and his medical torture ordeal is horrific.

[John Sandoval · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

This was a great story, love Kane and his story, makes me wanna watch his Friday films again, wish he was still Jason

[Frank Giaramida · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re a huge fan of Kane Hodder I highly recommend.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could have read this book in one sitting. It’s the best “memoir” I have ever read. There is no holding back in this book. I hope I can meet Kane Hodder one day.

[Dalt Of The Earth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved listening to Kane Hodder narrate this himself.

He truly loves the Jason Vorhees character, and horror in general.

I definitely have become an even bigger fan of his after reading this!!!

[Elaine Rucki · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an interesting read. I had no idea of the obstacles life had thrown his way on his journey to becoming Jason.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it

[Jennifer O'Neill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Book! To hear the emotions of some events and what he has been through. I have met Kane on several occasions and he truly is a wonderful down to earth man. I absolutely love his work and the pride he takes in it. Great guy! Wonderful Book!!!!

[John J Questore · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is "WOW". I have been a fan of Kane Hodder for years and always loved watching him work. But after reading this book, I have an even bigger respect for the man. I found out a bunch of interesting pieces of trivia, like (1) he is the only person to play three iconic horror monsters: Jason, Freddy & Leatherface. (2) He performed stunts on "Wonder Woman", "Dukes of Hazzard", "The Incredible Hulk" and "Emergency".

But the tragedy he's been through and the way he persevered is incredible.

But the thing that I love the most is his utter love and respect for his fans - I couldn't help but tear up reading about when a boy in a wheelchair met him at a haunted house once. After signing an autograph he told the boy to have fun - only to find out the house wasn't wheelchair accessible. He picked the boy up and CARRIED him through the house so the boy wouldn't miss out. That's friggin awesome.

Read the book - even if you aren't a horror fan like I am - you won't be disappointed!

[Douglas Castagna · Rating 5 out of 5]

At a con, we bought the book, from the man himself. Kane Hodder. I must say that he was a very nice guy with nearly zero ego. Now I know the book was written with someone else, but the source material is what was interesting her. The stuntman, turned actor who came from humble beginnings. It was a well written entry into the genre of creative nonfiction, and I loved every anecdote and story that was told therein. I may have liked it more because I met the man, spoke with him, took pictures of him choking my wife, but that's all right. I read a lot of everything, and as far as memoirs go, this was a great blend of personal and professional life, and had lots of ups and downs, and was an easy and enjoyable read.