The Goonies ‘hunky’ actor behind Sloth revealed – before his tragic death at 38

THE “hunky” actor behind The Goonies character Sloth has been revealed.

The hit adventure comedy movie acquired a cult following following its release in 1985, with fans identifying with all the characters.

The plot of the teen movie followed a bunch of loveable misfits in their quest for treasure.

When the children, who call themselves the Goonies, discover an old pirate map in the attic, they follow it into an underground cavern.

They go in search of lost treasure but come up against plenty of dangerous obstacles along the way – in particular, the criminal Fratelli family.

Disfigured man Sloth, who Chunk found chained to a chair in a dark basement, was at the helm of Mama Fratelli’s scheming.

His injuries were caused after she dropped him on the head when he was young.

The man behind Sloth’s face was The Goonies cast member John Matuszak.

The former American football star was in the make-up chair for five hours every day to prepare for the role.

Yet off screen, the hunky star had already built up a huge fanbase including doing a photoshoot for Playgirl.

Standing at 6 foot 7 inches tall and weighing 280lbs, he also towered over everyone he met.

Sadly he passed away on June 17, 1989, aged just 38 of an accidental drugs overdose.

His parents were convinced his sports injuries suffered in his career – and the medications he was prescribed – played their part in his sad passing.

Yet John’s ex Stephanie Cozart suggested his addiction came after losing two brothers to cystic fibrosis.

Stephanie told the LA Times in 1989: “The man was in a lot of emotional pain.

“He had a lot of childhood stuff to deal with.

“He had a lot of present-day stuff. He was a therapist’s dream.”