Reactions are pouring in following the loss of groundbreaking filmmaker George A. Romero at age 77. Considering his legacy as a director, storyteller and cultural commentator, it would be absurd for folks not to feel like the arts has lost someone monumental.
Romero passed away on Sunday following what was relayed to the Los Angeles Times as a “brief but aggressive battle with lung cancer.” The director racked up a legion devoted fans thanks to a daring filmography thank includes the sparkling crown jewel that is 1968’s Night of the Living Dead and the bold and bloody sequels that came afterward. (That’s not counting other Romero works like Martin, The Crazies and Creepshow.) Fans, peers and many combinations of the two wasted no time sharing their heartfelt appreciation for the late filmmaker.
“Just heard the news about George Romero,” tweeted Hostel director Eli Roth on Romero’s passing. “Hard to quantify how much he inspired me & what he did for cinema. Condolences to his family.”
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) July 16, 2017
Roth was far from alone in sharing his thoughts.
RIP George Romero. Your groundbreaking contributions to the genre are unparrelled. We will miss you and are made better for your brilliance pic.twitter.com/zYPn3GRfXw
— Barbara Crampton (@barbaracrampton) July 16, 2017
RIP GEORGE ROMERO. YOU LIVE ON THROUGH YOUR WORK AND IN THE HEARTS OF US FANS. pic.twitter.com/08L4iEQYKn
— Don Mancini (@RealDonMancini) July 16, 2017
https://twitter.com/BrianLynch/status/886696645932466177
https://twitter.com/aliciamalone/status/886704022505136129
https://twitter.com/choptopmoseley/status/886705408361996288
Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of George A. Romero. A true horror visionary and the godfather of the modern zombie horror. RIP.
— Rachael Nisbet (@rachael_nisbet) July 16, 2017
https://twitter.com/Uptomyknees/status/886701146680815616
A fond farewell to charming, legendary zombie king George Romero. 'Martin' is one of my favourite horrors. An honour to have met him. RIP pic.twitter.com/8ZIwjxFrmx
— Mark Gatiss 💙 (@Markgatiss) July 16, 2017
All zombies, bow your wonderfully disgusting heads. Rest In Peace to the legendary George Romero. #NightOfTheLivingDead
— Richard Roeper (@richardroeper) July 16, 2017
So sad to hear that George A. Romero has died. A pioneer, and an inspiration…
— Mike Flanagan (@flanaganfilm) July 16, 2017
This is terribly sad news. RIP to one of the legendary filmmakers. A true innovator and gentleman. https://t.co/UT7z0Xrlzt
— Mike (@Mike_P_Williams) July 16, 2017
Oh no. George A. Romero has died. Nothing has frightened me more than when I first watched "Night of the Living Dead". RIP. An amazing man
— Reece Shearsmith (@ReeceShearsmith) July 16, 2017
https://twitter.com/kumailn/status/886697840700932096
George Romero's "Night Of The Living Dead" was one of the six midnight movies that changed the world. Hope to see you again. As the undead. pic.twitter.com/oQVL90fizu
— Jake Fogelnest (@jakefogelnest) July 16, 2017
It is impossible to overestimate the impact George A. Romero had on the horror film. pic.twitter.com/4lIMAPvWaU
— Kim Newman (@AnnoDracula) July 16, 2017
https://twitter.com/RahulKohli13/status/886699301950246916
Rest In Peace, Horror King- George Romero. A true legend & pioneer in his genre. My childhood was definitely shaped by the Creepshow shorts.
— Michael Condrey (@MichaelCondrey) July 16, 2017
https://twitter.com/keithcalder/status/886703523173253120
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
“Sad to hear my favorite collaborator–and good old friend–George Romero has died,” wrote Creepshow collaborator Stephen King. “George, there will never be another like you.”
Expect the wave of tributes, reflections and just wanting to say thanks to continue on Twitter for an extended stretch.