Texas Chainsaw Massacre' heroine Marilyn Burns has died aged 65.

The star, who played Sally Hardesty in the 1974 horror movie, was discovered by a family member at her home in Houston but it is not known how she passed away, a representative told TMZ.

The Medical Examiner's Office in Houston confirmed to the website that an autopsy will be performed on her body.

A representative for the actress also told E!: ''She was found unresponsive by a family member this morning in her Houston, TX area home.

''Her family asks for privacy at this time. Further details will be released later.''

Burns was mainly known for her role as Sally, who somehow managed to survive Leatherface's gruesome rampage in the frightening film.

She clearly held a torch for Tobe Hooper's cult movie as she reprised her role in 1994's 'The Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation' and once again in 2013 when she appeared in 'Texas Chainsaw 3D'.

As well as the popular motion picture, Burns also starred as Linda Kasabian in 1976 TV film 'Helter Skelter'.

But Burn's horror success wasn't just limited to 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' as she went on to star in horror film 'Eaten Alive' in 1977.