The king of horror for the “Nightmare on Elm Street” and “Scream” franchises, Wes Craven died Sunday after a battle with brain cancer. He was only 76 years old.
Hollywood A-listers took to social media to offer their condolences as well as celebrating the life of Wes Craven, the writer, director and producer of Hollywood’s biggest movies.
Bob Weinstein, co-chairman of The Weinsten Company and Dimenson Films, the studios behind the Wes Craven Scream films said in a statement that he was “heartbroken” at the news.
He added: “We enjoyed a 20 year professional relationship and more importantly a warm and close friendship. He was a consummate filmmaker and his body of work will live on forever. My brother and I are eternally grateful for all his collaborations with us. Our deepest sympathy to his family.”
MTV, who released a TV-adaptation of Scream, also released a statement about the director’s death: “Wes Craven was a tremendous visionary whose sensibility for scares has connected with generations of MTV fans. We are honored to have worked with him and proud to carry on his legacy with Scream. Our hearts go out to his family and friends.”
Scream stars Courtney Cox, David Arquette and Sarah Michelle Geller were among those who tweeted their feelings about Wes Craven on Twitter.
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
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
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
RIP Wes Craven. You were one of a kind. Thanks for all the years of scares and fun.
— Paul Feig (@paulfeig) August 31, 2015
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
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
He directed me in Scream3 and I directed him in J&SB. Fare thee well horror-Gretzky WES CRAVEN. Talented, good guy. http://t.co/LZB0EGzxfV
— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) August 31, 2015
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
WOW! I just found out! Rest in peace you are such an important inspiration to me @wescraven
— The Weeknd (@theweeknd) August 31, 2015
Wes Craven. There goes another outlier. RIP
— Joe Carnahan (@carnojoe) August 31, 2015
