George A. Romero — the legendary filmmaker behind Night of the Living Dead — has died. His family confirmed that Romero passed away Sunday (July 16) at the age of 77.
The director died in his sleeping following a battle with lung cancer. In the wake of Romero's passing, his manager Chris Roe released the following statement:
Legendary filmmaker George A. Romero passed away on Sunday July 16, listening to the score of The Quiet Man, one of his all-time favourite 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.
Along with Night of the Living Dead — a movie made in Pittsburgh on a measly budget of $114,000 that went on to make $30 million, become a cult classic and spawn countless zombie genre imitators — Romero helmed such films as The Crazies, Martin and Creepshow. He also went back to the zombie genre to create the sociopolitically charged Dawn of the Dead and Day of the Dead — two films that stand as some of horror's finest achievements.
Following the sad news, tributes from Romero's peers have poured in from across the web. You can see some of those below.
The director died in his sleeping following a battle with lung cancer. In the wake of Romero's passing, his manager Chris Roe released the following statement:
Legendary filmmaker George A. Romero passed away on Sunday July 16, listening to the score of The Quiet Man, one of his all-time favourite 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.
Along with Night of the Living Dead — a movie made in Pittsburgh on a measly budget of $114,000 that went on to make $30 million, become a cult classic and spawn countless zombie genre imitators — Romero helmed such films as The Crazies, Martin and Creepshow. He also went back to the zombie genre to create the sociopolitically charged Dawn of the Dead and Day of the Dead — two films that stand as some of horror's finest achievements.
Following the sad news, tributes from Romero's peers have poured in from across the web. You can see some of those below.
Here's to the great George Romero, the man who started it all! A true legend and a huge inspiration. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/Vl3TP46L0W
— Robert Rodriguez (@Rodriguez) July 16, 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) July 16, 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) July 16, 2017
