Legendary Horror Director Wes Craven Passes Away at 76

After a battle with brain cancer, Wes Craven died on Sunday at the age of 76, leaving behind a long legacy of some of cinema’s most iconic horror films.

The father of Freddy Krueger died at home in Los Angeles, his family announced. As well as creating the Nightmare on Elm Street series, Craven was responsible for the horror resurgence of the 90s when he directed Scream and its subsequent sequels. His other works include The Last House on the Left and The Hills Have Eyes. Craven was also an accomplished producer having overseen the role for remakes of both.

In recent years, the director had taken on different projects than was to be expected after penning his first novel in 1999, The Fountain Society. Then in 2006, he wrote and directed a segment for the romantic comedy ensemble Paris Je T’aime.

Born Wesley Earl Craven on August 2nd 1939 in Cleveland, Craven was raised in a strict Baptist household. After graduating from Wheaton College with degrees in English and psychology, he then went on to earn a masters in philosophy and writing. After brief stints as a teacher and DJ, Craven then turned his attention to filmmaking.

Speaking of his career, Craven said: “I come from a blue-collar family, and I’m just glad for the work. I think it is an extraordinary opportunity and gift to be able to make films in general, and to have done it for almost 40 years now is remarkable.

“If I have to do the rest of the films in the [horror] genre, no problem. If I’m going to be a caged bird, I’ll sing the best song I can.

“I can see that I give my audience something. I can see it in their eyes, and they say thank you a lot. You realize you are doing something that means something to people. So shut up and get back to work.”

The Scream television series, which Craven was listed as an executive producer for, will be paying tribute to the visionary ahead of the season finale. Survivors include his wife, producer and former Disney Studios vice president Iya Labunka.

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