Tobe Hooper, one of Horror’s true pioneers, has passed away at the age of 74.
Reports in the media broke late Saturday that the Texas-born director had passed away at his home in Sherman Oaks, California. At the time of writing, there has been no word from the LA County Coroner’s office as to what the cause of death was.
Hooper, who was probably best known for writing and directing the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre movie back in 1974, was undoubtedly one of the horror genre’s great talents. Shot on a budget of just $300,000, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre grossed over $30m at the US box office and went on to spawn a massive franchise that is still producing titles today.
While his later works wouldn’t have quite the impact as his tale of Texas cannibals, Hooper was far from a one hit wonder. In 1979, Hooper brought Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot to TV with an adaptation that is still beloved by many of the author’s biggest fans. Three years later, Hooper gave us one of his other great titles in Poltergeist, a movie that saw him work with Steven Spielberg and helped coin the title ‘Summer of Spielberg’.
Sad to hear the passing of Tobe Hooper. One of the nicest people. A sweet, gentle soul of a man. Your legacy lives on. #RIP
— James Wan (@creepypuppet) August 27, 2017
Speechless..
Master of Horror Tobe Hooper Has Passed Away At Age 74 https://t.co/YexQhxw1uB— Tom Holland (@RealTomHolland) August 27, 2017
Tobe Hooper is survived by one son,William Tony Hooper.
