Legendary horror director George A. Romero has died

By Tribute on July 17, 2017 | 2 Comments


George A. RomeroThe film industry and horror fans have lost a pioneer. Legendary horror director George A. Romero, who started the zombie craze with acclaimed films such as Night of the Living Dead (1968), has passed away at the age of 77 after battling lung cancer.

A statement from Romero’s manager, Chris Roe, states the director passed away in his sleep yesterday (July 16) while listening to his favorite film scores: “Legendary filmmaker George A. Romero passed away on Sunday July 16, listening to the score of ‘The Quiet Man,’ one of his all-time favorite films, with his wife, Suzanne Desrocher Romero, and daughter, Tina Romero at his side. He died peacefully in his sleep, following a brief but aggressive battle with lung cancer, and leaves behind a loving family, many friends, and a filmmaking legacy that has endured, and will continue to endure, the test of time.”

Nigh of the Living Dead launched the zombie genre and went on to become a cult classic. The film was made on a meager $114,000 budget but took in $30 million at the box office. It spawned Romero’s other two hit zombie films, Dawn of the Dead and Day of the Dead. So if you’re a zombie fan and enjoy shows like The Walking Dead, you have George A. Romero to thank.

Romero wasn’t just talented with showcasing the horrors of a zombie apocalypse, though. His other major horror anthology, Creepshow, in which he worked closely with Stephen King, became a hit with fear-loving film-goers, too.

Born in the Bronx, Romero began his career filming shorts and commercials, including filming a segment of the popular children’s show Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. Ironic, considering he would go on to become one of the best known horror directors, whose films no doubt scared children (and adults) the world over.

In addition to being a much-beloved director, Romero also worked on video games and wrote comic books — showcasing he was a truly creative and versatile artist. Indeed, the man influenced a generation of creatives in the horror genre, and some of the best, like Stephen King and Guillermo del Toro, are paying tribute to the late director. You can check out their tweets below.

Which is your favorite George A. Romero body of work? Let us know in the comments section below. ~Alexa Caruso 



Comments & Discussion

  1. CDubya • July 17, 2017 @ 12:04 PM

    Another Icon gone. There’s one thing that scares me and that’s a Zombie outbreak. Thanks George for scaring me for life! Job well done. RIP 🙁

  2. Esther Distefano • August 21, 2017 @ 7:49 PM

    So sorry to hear about the passing of my favouritew director of all time, May you rest in peace, Condolences to his family and friends, He will be greatly missed by his fans…..


Join The Conversation:


Similar Articles

Mother of deceased Walking Dead stuntman explores lawsuit

August 29, 2017 | 1 Comment

Susan Bernecker, mother of late stuntman John Bernecker who died on the set of The Walking Dead, is investigating if a wrongful-death lawsuit can be launched.


Deadpool 2 stunt rider killed on set

August 15, 2017 | 4 Comments

It was a tragic day of filming in Vancouver for Deadpool 2 yesterday (Aug 14) after stunt rider Joi ‘SJ’ Harris died after crashing her motorbike on set.


Legendary country singer Glen Campbell dies at 81

August 8, 2017 | 3 Comments

America’s “Rhinestone Cowboy,” Glen Campbell, has sadly passed away at the age of 81. He died this morning in Nashville at a healthcare facility after battling Alzheimer’s.


 Change Location