Considered by many to be one of the original Scream Queens of the genre, actress Marilyn Burns, best known for her role as “Sally Hardesty” in director Tobe Hooper’s 1974 seminal horror classic The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, was found dead Tuesday at her home in Houston, Texas.

The cause of her death is currently unknown at this time.

Burns’ career spanned four decades though she only appeared in a handful of films, starting out in bit parts working for directors like Robert Altman in the film Brewster McCloud and George Roy Hill in The Great Waldo Salt.

But her big break came in 1974 when Hooper cast her as the lead in a little slasher film that was based loosely on the cannibalistic exploits of real-life serial killer Ed Gein. Hooper’s film went on to influence future generations of filmmakers, introducing the world to the now iconic horror movie character Leatherface, who killed with a chainsaw and wore the skin of his victims.

She talked about her experiences working with Hooper in multiple interviews, recounting the often nauseating conditions on set, which included dead animals, feathers, human teeth, and fake blood. “After many long hours out of the refrigerator, each had its own distinct odor,” explained the actress, recalling the various animal carcasses surrounding her. When the actors were called to break for lunch and dinner, Burns admitted, “Not many made it. We were down the road violently ill.”

“Afterwards, I was just so grateful it was over. I probably was the happiest girl alive. During it, I was 100% focused and I probably wasn’t a joy to be around. It was an interesting shoot for sure,” said Burns.

She went on to work with Hooper again in the 1977 film Eaten Alive, about a psychotic hotel owner who feeds unfortunate guests to a pet crocodile that he keeps in a nearby swamp, and appeared in small alternate roles for two follow-up Texas Chainsaw Massacre sequels, including the 2013 film Texas Chainsaw 3D. Burns was also in the 1976 TV movie Helter Skelter, based on the Vincent Bugliosi book about the Tate-LaBianca murders committed by Charles Manson.

Her manager of eight years, Chris Roe, lauded her as a pioneer in the genre. “She paved the way for many great women who played huge roles in horror films.” Yet despite starring in such grisly fare, Roe added that she was “one of the most happiest, upbeat human beings I’ve ever known in my life.”