Wes Craven, whose Nightmare on Elm Street and Scream movies made him one of the most recognisable names in the horror film genre, has died. He was 76.
Craven’s family said in a statement that he died at his Los Angeles home on Sunday after battling brain cancer.
A prolific writer, director and editor, Craven was credited with reinventing the teen horror genre with the 1984 release of A Nightmare on Elm Street starring a then-unknown Johnny Depp. The movie led to several sequels, as did his 1996 movie Scream.
Besides his work in horror films, Craven also directed the drama Music of the Heart, which earned Meryl Streep an Oscar nomination.
Craven is survived by his wife, producer Iya Labunka, a son, a daughter and a stepdaughter.
A host of celebrities have paid tribute to the director on Twitter:
We lost a legend. Thank you @wescraven for your films and your friendship.
— scott foley (@scottkfoley) August 31, 2015
He was a kind and generous soul as well as possessing a wicked sense of humor. @wescraven pic.twitter.com/SlQH3vJzU2
— Angela Bassett (@ImAngelaBassett) August 31, 2015
Heartbroken about the loss of Wes Craven. He was an incredible inspiration as a director and, more so, a very kind man.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) August 31, 2015
So sad to hear of the death of Wes Craven. One of the greats of the genre. pic.twitter.com/4CzuS78Brv
— Paddy Considine (@PaddyConsidine) August 31, 2015
RIP #WesCraven. Thank you for entrusting the knife to me in Scream 2. I got to play the Ghost faced… https://t.co/l1iYcbvYuD
— Adam Shankman (@adammshankman) 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
Shedding tears now. A giant has left us. #wescraven #always #liveon pic.twitter.com/t3ituQLgV1
— rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) August 31, 2015
