SHERMAN OAKS, CA (RNN) – Horror movie director Tobe Hooper, best known for helming “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” and “Poltergeist” (1982), died Saturday at age 74, the Associated Press reports. On Sunday, the Los Angeles County coroner's office reported it as a natural death.
Considered one of the most influential horror films of all time, Hooper’s “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” grossed more than $30 million in 1974 on a budget of $300,000.
The movie launched a franchise focused on villain Leatherface and his family and is credited with originating several elements common to the slasher genre.
Very sad to hear of the passing of Tobe Hooper, another master of horror. He conjured some truly shattering, unforgettable moments in film. pic.twitter.com/6Kxw0gURzF
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) August 27, 2017
Hooper also directed the 1982 “Poltergeist,” which was written and produced by Steven Spielberg and is considered a classic of the horror genre. The film was a box office success and became the eighth-highest grossing film of the year, according to Variety.
Among Hooper’s other works were the 1979 miniseries “Salem’s Lot” and the music video for Billy Idol’s “Dancing with Myself.” He continued working in television and film throughout the 1990s and 2000s.
Raise your chainsaw in honor of the late, great Tobe Hooper. pic.twitter.com/MEG2yFdeHr
— Louis Peitzman (@LouisPeitzman) August 27, 2017
Born in Austin, TX, in 1943, Hooper is survived by his two sons.
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