Lorna Raver: The Unforgettable Witch from 'Drag Me to Hell' Passes Away at 81

EXCLUSIVE: Legendary Actress Lorna Raver Bids Farewell to This World, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Spine-Chilling Performances

In a devastating loss for the entertainment industry, beloved actress Lorna Raver has passed away at the ripe age of 81. The news was first reported in SAG-AFTRA's Summer 2025 magazine, which honored her memory in their 'In Memoriam' section.

Raver, a talented thespian with an impressive resume boasting 55 acting credits on IMDB, will be forever remembered for her chilling portrayal of Mrs. Ganush, a vengeful witch who curses the lead character in the 2009 horror film Drag Me To Hell. Her iconic performance sent shivers down audiences' spines and cemented her status as a horror movie legend.

Fans and fellow actors alike are still reeling from the news of Raver's passing, with one devotee taking to social media to pay tribute: "What a memorable turn she gave in Drag Me To Hell. Rest in Peace." Another admirer echoed their sentiments, reminiscing about her standout performance in the same film: "#RIP Lorna Raver. The stage-trained actress was excellent as Mrs. Ganush, the witchy woman who plants a curse on Allison Lohman’s banker in Sam Raimi’s 'Drag Me to Hell.'"

According to an exclusive interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Raver revealed that she wasn't entirely prepared for what lay ahead when she joined the cast of Drag Me To Hell. "I was not fully aware of exactly what I was getting into," she confessed. However, it was the opportunity to work with renowned director Sam Raimi, who also helmed the blockbuster hit Spider-Man, that drew her to the project.

Raver's naivety about the horror genre was evident in her admission: "While I knew of [Raimi’s] work from other films, I was so ignorant of the whole horror genre that I had never even heard of the Evil Dead movies." Yet, it was Raimi's creative vision and her own fascination with the character's power dynamic that ultimately won her over.

"I liked about the character," she explained, "was that she was powerful. She wasn't just a one-dimensional villain; she was a complex figure with a rich backstory."

While Drag Me To Hell may have catapulted Raver to horror stardom, her extensive resume boasts an impressive array of credits in some of television's most iconic shows. From The Bold and the Beautiful to ER, Beverly Hills, 90210, Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, Felicity, The Pretender, Judging Amy, Ally McBeal, Star Trek: Voyager, Gilmore Girls, Weeds, Malcolm in the Middle, Desperate Housewives, Cold Case, NYPD Blue, Boston Legal, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Nip/Tuck, One Tree Hill, Bones, Grey's Anatomy, and The Young and the Restless – Raver left her mark on each and every one.

Even in retirement, Raver continued to captivate audiences with her soothing voice. In 2016, she lent her narration skills to the audiobook adaptation of Stephen King's classic novel Cujo, a testament to her enduring talent and versatility as an artist.

TheScholarlyNote.com has reached out to a representative for Raver, but unfortunately, they have not yet responded to our request for comment. As fans around the world mourn the loss of this trailblazing actress, one thing is certain: Lorna Raver's legacy will continue to haunt us with its haunting beauty and enduring power long after she's gone.