Living Dead Director George A Romero Dies
It was just a few days ago that we were reporting on the next film in George A Romero’s fanatic zombies film series, and then suddenly I find myself having to report on his sad news that Romero has passed away. The director/producer died in his sleep on Sunday with his wife and daughter at his side, after a “brief but aggressive battle” with lung cancer.
The American-born filmmaker made a name for himself when he director Night of the Living Dead in 1968, which featured the very first ‘flesh eating’ versions of the undead. Before 1968, Zombies were synonyms with voodoo and witchcraft, where people were turned into mindless puppets. Romero turned it up to 11, making his zombies into flesh eating creatures from beyond the grave.
His little film quickly grew into a series of movies, which stretch right across Romero’s career. The last film, Survival of the Dead, came out in 2009 and was highly praised by the horror and film community. His next film would have been Road of the Dead, a mix of high octane stunts and plenty of zombies.
Romero also had success with films such as The Crazies, Martin and a collaboration with stephen King on Creepshow (and Creepshow 2). It’s safe to say the he was one of the biggest names in horror, and he was completely responsible for the Zombie sub-genre we know and love today.
Here are a few messages from twitter from people that loved, worked and were heavily influenced by George over the years.
Goodbye genius, I want to remember you like this #RIPGeorgeARomero pic.twitter.com/SVkoOwaI1Q
— Asia Argento (@AsiaArgento) 17 July 2017
Sad to hear my favorite collaborator–and good old friend–George Romero has died. George, there will never be another like you.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) 16 July 2017
Myself & Simon Pegg would not have the same career in film without Romero. My thoughts on the man & his influence: https://t.co/eSaKaRndDC pic.twitter.com/smDWsxtqut
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) 17 July 2017
Just heard the news about George Romero. Hard to quantify how much he inspired me & what he did for cinema. Condolences to his family. ❤️
— Eli Roth (@eliroth) 16 July 2017
Romero started it. pic.twitter.com/i4dnxi8EFV
— Jordan Peele (@JordanPeele) 16 July 2017
Goodbye George A Romero. We laughed through 50 years and 9 films. I will miss him. There is a light that has gone out and can’t be replaced. pic.twitter.com/N0MAC1ItVM
— Tom Savini (@THETomSavini) 16 July 2017
Thanks for the memories George …. and the Zombies! God bless and good luck!