"Night of the Living Dead" director George A. Romero has died on Sunday June 16, 2017. Los Angeles Times first reported the announcement from Romero's longtime collaborator, producer Peter Grunwald.
George A. Romero's cause of death
George A. Romero died in his sleep in the company of his family. He was listening to the music score from "The Quiet Man" (1952) during that time. Reports say that Romero considered it as one of his all-time favorite movies.
According to the official obituary, Romero had a "brief but aggressive battle with lung cancer." It took such a toll on his health that he even canceled his supposed appearance at the Days of the Dead Indy festival in the beginning of the year.
"The Exorcist" actress Linda Blair took his place in the annual gathering.
His family also released a statement regarding the heartbreaking news. "We deeply regret the death of our beloved father George A. Romero," the official statement says. "Thank you, all fans for your love and for following the path of our father."
'The Godfather of the Dead' passes away
True to his moniker, the 77-year-old filmmaker paved a way for zombies to have a spot in the industry for the years to come. He became a pioneer for this change since the 1960s when he brought the undead and social issues together to make the "Night of the Living Dead."
The 1968 film became a cult classic despite having a low budget. It also made a mark in Hollywood after tapping African-American actor Duane Jones as its lead star during the height of the civil rights issue.
Romero followed up his successful film with several installments for the "Dead" film franchise such as "Dawn of the Dead." His other film credits include “There’s Always Vanilla,” “Season of the Witch,” and “The Crazies.”
Hollywood mourns the loss of George A. Romero
Several notable personalities who worked with the iconic helmer paid tribute after his unfortunate passing. Eli Roth, Stephen King and other staples in the horror industry expressed their thoughts on various social media platforms.
James Gunn worked with Romero on the 2004 remake of "Dawn of the Dead" as the writer. The "Guardians of the Galaxy" director talked about how Romero's flick made an impact in his childhood despite the scary content.
“RIP #GeorgeRomero. You made me want to make movies, and helped me to find meaning in monsters,” Gunn said. "Thank you.
I love you."
I just wrote this on Facebook concerning the passing of George Romero, but I thought I'd share it here as well. 💔 pic.twitter.com/r1qKM6GSka
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) July 16, 2017
"Hostel" creator Eli Roth praised Romero for his courage in changing the entire film world in his own way. Horror novel writer Stephen King, on the other hand, stressed that will never be another one like his "favorite collaborator."
Romero used genre to confront racism 50 years ago. He always had diverse casts, with Duane Jones as the heroic star of NOTLD.
— Eli Roth (@eliroth) July 16, 2017
Very few others in cinema were taking such risks. He was both ahead of his time and exactly what cinema needed at that time.
— Eli Roth (@eliroth) July 16, 2017
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
Celebrities expressed how Romero had a huge influence on the new generation of Hollywood trailblazers.
Check out some of the selected tweets below:
Romero has passed away. Hard to find words right now. The loss is so enormous.
— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) July 16, 2017
Romero started it. pic.twitter.com/i4dnxi8EFV
— Jordan Peele (@JordanPeele) July 16, 2017
I can't believe George Romero has died. All the zombies owe him everything! He was the master.… https://t.co/e3m1JufEle
— Rob Zombie (@RobZombie) July 16, 2017
George Romero was an icon who created a cinematic universe of loosely affiliated sequels forty years before that was a thing
— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) July 16, 2017
RIP to a genius
Goodbye George A Romero. We laughed through 50 years and 9 films. I will miss him. There is a light that has gone out and can't be replaced. pic.twitter.com/N0MAC1ItVM
— Tom Savini (@THETomSavini) July 16, 2017
Here's to the great George Romero, the man who started it all! A true legend and a huge inspiration. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/Vl3TP46L0W
— Robert Rodriguez (@Rodriguez) July 16, 2017
My first ever movie job: I was an art department intern on DAY OF THE DEAD. I made zombie vomit for Bub.
— greg mottola (@gregmottola) July 16, 2017
RIP George Romero, one-of-a-kind pic.twitter.com/18Vz6w5tEt
Just like the world of zombies he created, his legacy will never die. Our deepest condolences to George A. Romero's family. Stay tuned for more updates.