GettyWes Craven, the modern horror mastermind behind A Nightmare on Elm Street, Scream, The Hills Have Eyes and more, has died of brain cancer aged 76.
U.S. media reported that Craven passed away at his Los Angeles home on Sunday.
Craven actually started out directing porn, believe it or not, but wrote and directed his first feature film The Last House on the Left in 1972.
He re-energised the horror genre with A Nightmare on Elm Street in 1984, which he wrote and directed. The Scream franchise, meanwhile, is believed to have grossed more than $100m (£65m) in the U.S. alone.
He was still working up until his death and had recently signed deals to develop television programmes, including the new Scream series for MTV, as well as working on a graphic horror novel series.
Reflecting on his amazing career, Craven once said in an interview, “I tried to make movies where I can honestly say I haven’t seen that before and to follow my deepest intuitions and in some cases literally my dreams”.
Following the news of his death, Craven’s peers in Hollywood and beyond took to Twitter to share memories and tributes for the departed director:
— Wes Craven (@wescraven) August 31, 2015
Today the world lost a great man, my friend and mentor, Wes Craven. My heart goes out to his family. x
— Courteney Cox (@CourteneyCox) August 31, 2015
Thank you for being the kindest man, the gentlest man, and one of the smartest men I've known. Please say there's a plot twist. #wescraven
— rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) August 31, 2015
I had the great privilege of working with #WesCraven one of the kindest most gentle souls, who made great scary films. #RIPWesCraven
— Sarah Michelle (@SarahMGellar) August 31, 2015
@wescraven today is sad, I was just 16 yrs old when we shot #DeadlyFriend you taught me SO much & I love you dearly, I will always miss you.
— Kristy Swanson (@KristySwansonXO) August 31, 2015
https://twitter.com/SkeetMe1/status/638170108909608960
Can't believe the news. Heartfelt sadness and deepest condolences with the passing of Wes Craven. Truly one of my biggest inspirations. #rip
— James Wan (@creepypuppet) August 31, 2015
Damn guys. @WesCraven died. A brilliant filmmaker, he brought quality & depth of character to every movie he made. Amazing library- bravo
— Seth Green (@SethGreen) August 31, 2015
RIP Wes Craven. You were one of a kind. Thanks for all the years of scares and fun.
— Paul Feig (@paulfeig) August 31, 2015
Nobody goes to sleep wishing for a nightmare–but if you have one tonight, may it be worthy of a Wes Craven film.
— Richard Roeper (@richardroeper) August 31, 2015
Craven is survived by his wife, three children and three grandchildren. RIP Wes.
