One of the most iconic masters of horror have passed away as director Wes Craven has left us all too soon. He left this world last Sunday at the age of 76 after finally losing a long battle with brain cancer. He is survived by his wife Iya Labunka.

Craven is often cited as the most important horror director from the 70s through the 90s and his vision has frightened and entertained so many of us over the years.

While best known for his work on creating both the ‘Nightmare on Elm Street‘ and ‘Scream‘ series’, he has been working hard in the industry since releasing the cult classic ‘The Last House on the Left’ in 1972 which he followed up in 1977 with the equally infamous ‘The Hills Have Eyes’.

He is thought of not only as a master of the craft but a guide as well. With ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’ helping shape the slasher genre for years to come and ‘Wes Craven’s New Nightmare’ bringing into popularity the idea of deconstructing horror films which was perfected in ‘Scream’.

While a known for his work in horror on the big screen he also released ‘Music of the Heart’ in 1999 which Meryl Streep received an Academy Award nod for best actress and was also an accomplished author.

Aside from currently being on board MTV’s new ‘Scream‘ series as an executive producer he was also set to direct ‘Thou Shalt Not Kill’ for the ‘Ten Commandments’ miniseries, and executive produce on both ‘The Girl in the Photographs’ and Dennis Iliadis’s upcoming ‘Home’ projects.

Around the web there has been a huge cry for the loss of such an amazing director from friends, colleagues, and fans. His work will live in to scare us eternally and his vision will be missed.

My friend Wes has left us too soon. He was truly an Old School director. I had a great time directing him. I’m REALLY gonna miss him.

Posted by Director John Carpenter on Sunday, August 30, 2015

Wes, thank you for all of the nightmares.