Hollywood Reacts to George Romero’s Death

George A. Romero has died at the age of 77, and the film and TV communities are in shock.

The beloved Night of the Living Dead creator is one of the most iconic directors in the horror genre, and his death deeply affected his peers.

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“Just heard the news about George Romero,” wrote Eli Roth. “Hard to quantify how much he inspired me & what he did for cinema. Condolences to his family.”

“RIP GEORGE ROMERO,” wrote Child’s Play creator Don Mancini. “YOU LIVE ON THROUGH YOUR WORK AND IN THE HEARTS OF US FANS.”

Romero’s pivotal work on zombie films is single-handedly one of the most influential contributions to the horror genre. It inspired generations of films and has paved the way for shows like The Walking Dead and iZombie.

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The actors and creators of those shows were quick to point out Romero’s influence in the wake of his death.

“Damn…rest in peace, George Romero,” wrote iZombie actor Rahul Kohli‏. “Every single zombie show/film owes you their gratitude for paving the way in this genre. Thank you.”

Walking Dead producer Gale Anne Hurd also shared her thoughts on the passing, describing Romero as a “legend” and a “horror hero.”

Another Walking Dead producer, Greg Nicotero, also shared a touching tribute. Nicotero, who also directs annd does special effect works, started his career on Romero’s 1985 film Day of the Dead.

“The sad news keeps rolling in,” Nicotero wrote. “There are so many things to say about this man, my friend, my mentor and my inspiration. For what he gave us all with passion and fire, his unrelenting spirit will live forever. Blessed that I was honored to present him this award late April in Pittsburgh where IT ALL F—ING STARTED!!!! Never ending love to him and his family.”

Reactions, continued

Romero’s influence transcended the horror genre. Filmmakers from all backgrounds reached out with condolences and on the late director.

Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn wrote, “RIP #GeorgeRomero. You made me want to make movies, and helped me to find meaning in monsters. Thank you. I love you.”

Chronicle screenwriter Max Landis wrote, “George Romero was an icon who created a cinematic universe of loosely affiliated sequels forty years before that was a thing. RIP to a genius.”

“RIP George Romero. You were a genius, and I look forward to your inevitable return,” wrote Brian Lynch, the writer of Minions and Secret Life of Pets.

Actors were touched by Romero’s films, as well. Some shared admiration, and other even recalled personal experiences with the legend.

“R.I.P. George Romero. A true legend,” wrote Kumail Nanjiani. “Started a new genre on his own. Who else can claim that?”

“A fond farewell to charming, legendary zombie king George Romero,” wrote Mark Gatiss.  “Martin is one of my favourite horrors. An honour to have met him. RIP”

Death Details

Earlier today, Romero’s longtime producing partner Peter confirmed the filmmaker passed in his sleep. Romero died following “a brief but aggressive battle with lung cancer” according to Peter Gunwald. The visionary passed away while listening to a score from one of his favorite film’s while his wife Suzanne and daughter Tina were at his side. According to The Times, Romero was listening to the score from The Quiet Man a la 1952.

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If you are not familiar with Romero’s name, then you will have surely heard of his work. The director is credited with jump-starting the zombie genre as he developed the 1968 classic Night of the Living Dead with co-writer John A. Russo. The film went on to inspire scores of directors such as John Carpenter and Tobe Hooper thanks to its impactful low-budget horror. Other entertainment powerhouses like Seth Grahame-Green, Robert Kirkman, and Edgar Wright have also credited Romero has a source of inspiration for their own works.

Night of the Living Dead continues to live on his pop culture fame as knock-offs continue to be spun from it. Romero also put in work on sequels like Dawn of the Dead, Day of the Dead, Land of the Dead, Diary of the Dead, and George A. Romero’s Survival of the Dead.

Outside of the Living Dead franchise, Romero worked on other projects which his fans have rallied around. Romero wrote or directed for The Crazies, Knightriders, and episodes of the TV documentary The Winners. The icon’s final credit as a writer was for Day of the Dead in 2017.

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Romero’s Upcoming Projects

Despite Romero’s sudden passing, fans of the legend could see more of his work come to TV in coming years.

According to zombie artist Arthur Suydam, Empire of the Dead could be coming to AMC if all things work out. The horror comic, which is set in New York, is a fan-favorite and would fit in well with the network’s current focus on all things undead.

Suydam told crowds at Wizard World Louisville that AMC had just signed off on the series and that “it’s going to be the next, big zombie series on AMC.”

Right now, there is no word on when the series may be brought to the small screen, but horror enthusiasts will look forward to seeing Romero’s work honored posthumously by AMC as the show gets underway.

Photo Credit: Getty / Stefania D’Alessandro