The death of horror pioneer Wes Craven has spawned an outpouring of warm remembrances from friends, collaborators and fellow fright-flick luminaries like John Carpenter and Joe Dante. See below for a roundup of reactions (to be updated throughout the week).
New Line Cinema:
In 1984, Wes Craven brought “A Nightmare on Elm Street” to New Line, and in so doing, altered the course of the studio”s history. We are eternally grateful to our friend and partner, and are proud to be “The House That Freddy Built”.
Robert Englund:
RIP Wes Craven, my director, my friend. A brilliant, kind, gentle and very funny man. A sad day on Elm St and everywhere. I'll miss him.
– Robert B. Englund (@RobertBEnglund) August 31, 2015
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Hollywood's lost a rare species in Wes Craven. The true Gentleman.
– Robert B. Englund (@RobertBEnglund) August 31, 2015
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William Friedkin:
Wes Craven will be missed by all who Love and appreciate his work, which Will always be with us. With respect…
– William Friedkin (@WilliamFriedkin) August 31, 2015
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Neve Campbell:
“We lost a great deal of magic yesterday. I”m devastated to hear of Wes”s passing,” the actress said in a statement Monday. “My life wouldn”t be what it is without him. I will be forever grateful for his brilliant direction, his wicked sense of humor and his consummate kindness and friendship. He has entertained us all for decades and inspired so many to follow in his path. I loved Wes dearly and will miss him always. Thank you Wes!!!”
Angela Bassett:
So sad to hear that such a prince of a human being has bid us goodnight. @wescraven pic.twitter.com/mOQKWuxI9I
– Angela Bassett (@ImAngelaBassett) August 31, 2015
He was a kind and generous soul as well as possessing a wicked sense of humor. @wescraven pic.twitter.com/SlQH3vJzU2
– Angela Bassett (@ImAngelaBassett) August 31, 2015
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I feel blessed to have worked with him. He always invited me to the table, and for that I am grateful. @wescraven pic.twitter.com/Q3Gzy1Anka
– Angela Bassett (@ImAngelaBassett) August 31, 2015
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Eli Roth:
R.I.P. to one of my all time heroes who was also truly one of the nicest people I ever had the good fortune to meet. pic.twitter.com/UNisaTRgFn
– Eli Roth (@eliroth) August 31, 2015
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If anyone in L.A. can see the moon right now it looks like it's in honor of Wes. Spectacular moon right out of one of his films.
– Eli Roth (@eliroth) August 31, 2015
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Darren Lynn Bousman (“Saw II-IV,” “Repo! The Genetic Opera” director):
RIP Wes Craven, your movies inspired me, helped form my childhood and plague my nightmares.
– Darren_Bousman (@darren_bousman) August 31, 2015
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Rose McGowan:
Thank you for being the kindest man, the gentlest man, and one of the smartest men I've known. Please say there's a plot twist. #wescraven
– rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) August 31, 2015
Shedding tears now. A giant has left us. #wescraven #always #liveon pic.twitter.com/t3ituQLgV1
– rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) August 31, 2015
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Courteney Cox:
Today the world lost a great man, my friend and mentor, Wes Craven. My heart goes out to his family. x
– Courteney Cox (@CourteneyCox) August 31, 2015
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John Carpenter:
My friend Wes has left us too soon. He was truly an Old School director. I had a great time directing him. I'm… https://t.co/NCeEflbdhO
– John Carpenter (@TheHorrorMaster) August 31, 2015
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Devastated to hear the news. Wes was a great friend, fine director and good man. Giant loss. Much too soon. https://t.co/3XnIn8UNIF
– John Carpenter (@TheHorrorMaster) August 31, 2015
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David Arquette:
Created this account to say how deeply saddened I am. Wes was a great man and I love him very much… #RIPWesCraven pic.twitter.com/TNpyiFTyS7
– David Arquette (@david_arquette) August 31, 2015
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Amanda Wyss (Tina in “A Nightmare on Elm Street”):
So very sad…There are no words… Flights of angels dear Wes. https://t.co/IES7Jggv6m
– Amanda Wyss (@_AmandaWyss) August 31, 2015
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Sarah Michelle Gellar:
I had the great privilege of working with #WesCraven one of the kindest most gentle souls, who made great scary films. #RIPWesCraven
– Sarah Michelle (@SarahMGellar) August 31, 2015
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Joe Hill (Horror writer, son of Stephen King):
Weren't we lucky to have that first Nightmare on Elm Street? Weren't we lucky to have Wes Craven?
– Joe Hill (@joe_hill) August 31, 2015
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Joe Dante:
RIP Wes Craven! A pioneer in the genre!
– Joe Dante (@joe_dante) August 31, 2015
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Leigh Whannell:
Any horror fan says goodbye to Wes Craven with a heavy heart. He gifted my generation with so many memories. Films seen through my fingers ????
– Leigh Whannell (@LWhannell) August 31, 2015
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James Wan:
Can't believe the news. Heartfelt sadness and deepest condolences with the passing of Wes Craven. Truly one of my biggest inspirations. #rip
– James Wan (@creepypuppet) August 31, 2015
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Cary Elwes:
So sad to hear of the passing of my talented friend @wescraven who, before #JamesWan, reinvented the #horror genre … https://t.co/6lbctDNE7G
– Cary Elwes (@Cary_Elwes) August 31, 2015
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Kumail Nanjiani:
The 1st horror movie I ever saw was Nightmare on Elm Street. I'd see Freddy's face in my bedroom at night for months. Thank you Wes Craven.
– Kumail Nanjiani (@kumailn) August 31, 2015
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Roland Emmerich:
I've always had the deepest respect for @WesCraven and his ability to take his fans on a thrilling ride. Warmest regards to his loved ones.
– Roland Emmerich (@rolandemmerich) August 31, 2015
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Skeet Ulrich (Billy in “Scream”):
So sad to hear the news about Wes. An amazing man on set and off and I owe so much to his talents. He will be sorely missed by many…
– Skeet Ulrich (@SkeetMe1) August 31, 2015
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Jamie Kennedy:
I wud have no career if it were not for WES CRAVEN. Thank you for believing in me and giving me a chance. #nowords pic.twitter.com/dNseHweJcF
– Jamie Kennedy (@JamieKennedy) August 31, 2015
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Don Coscarelli (“Phantasm,” John Dies at the End” writer/director):
Truly a master. You will be missed Wes. @wescraven pic.twitter.com/qF4a97Of4f
– Don Coscarelli (@DonCoscarelli) August 31, 2015
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Clive Barker:
Clive and Wes on the Dr. Ruth show. RIP Wes Craven. https://t.co/nSS12ydijZ
– Clive Barker (@RealCliveBarker) August 31, 2015
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Bob Weinstein (co-chairman of The Weinstein Co. and Dimension Films):
Statement from the Weinsteins regarding the passing of Wes Craven. pic.twitter.com/nJ8eo2Qit2
– BloodyDisgusting.com (@BDisgusting) August 31, 2015
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Kevin Smith:
He directed me in Scream3 and I directed him in J&SB. Fare thee well horror-Gretzky WES CRAVEN. Talented, good guy. https://t.co/LZB0EGzxfV
– KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) August 31, 2015
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Lloyd Kaufman (“The Toxic Avenger” writer/director):
Toxie weeps! RIP Wes Craven – great director and generous human!
– Lloyd Kaufman (@lloydkaufman) August 31, 2015
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Kevin Williamson (“Scream” screenwriter):
Wes. Such a sweet, special man. So many memories…
– Kevin Williamson (@kevwilliamson) August 31, 2015
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Today we lost a great one. Wes was hero and mentor. I've been blessed. Prayers to his family.
– Kevin Williamson (@kevwilliamson) August 31, 2015