Wes Craven Dead, 76, after Battle with Brain Cancer

Famed film writer-director Wes Craven passed away this afternoon at age 76 after losing his battle with brain cancer. Director of such iconic horror films as A Nightmare on Elm Street and mastermind behind the Scream franchise, he was known for reinventing the genre every few years, breathing new life into the world of horror when so many others played it safe.

Beginning in 1972, his work pushed the boundaries of horror. His first film, The Last House on the Left, terrorized audiences with its tale of vengeance and brutal murder. The famous tagline “To avoid fainting, keep repeating to yourself, ‘It’s only a movie, it’s only a movie, it’s only a movie…” came from this film.

12 years later, Craven developed the brilliant Freddy Krueger character, claiming that he got the idea from living next to a cemetery in the suburbs of Cleveland. A Nightmare on Elm Street was released in 1984 and once again revolutionized horror. When movie goers were used to their slashers being leaden, soulless killers, Freddy had a sadistic wit and charm, breaking into the realm of dreams to kill his prey. The Nightmare franchise went on to become one of the most popular in horror history, grossing $370,495,086 in total.

After Freddy had run his course in a series known for its increasingly corny sequels, Craven set his eyes on redefining the genre yet again in the irreverent Scream franchise, which grossed $331,734,067

The consummate film maker wasn’t just good at horror. After filming Scream 2, Craven was given the chance to direct a prestige film for Miramax. Music of the Heart was released in 1999, starring Meryl Streep in an Oscar nominated performance.

Craven continued to stay busy as producer of remakes of two of his earlier pics, The Hills Have Eyes (2006) and The Last House on the Left (2009). He had also recently signed an overall television deal with Universal Cable Productions and had a number of TV projects in development including The People Under the Stairs with Syfy Networks, Disciples with UCP, We Are All Completely Fine with Syfy / UCP, and Sleepers with Federation Entertainment. He also was executive producing the new Scream series for MTV.

He will be remembered in the horror community as a man of genuine warmth, wit, and humanity. Craven was a true bird conservationist, serving as a longtime member of the Audubon California Board of Directors. He was also the author of a monthly column, “Wes Craven’s The Birds,” for Martha’s Vineyard Magazine.

Wes, you will be missed.