R.I.P. Wes Craven (1939 - 2015)

I don't usually write about the passing of Hollywood folks, but in this case, it seemed warranted.

Director Wes Craven - widely known for his horror classics (notably A Nightmare on Elm Street and the Scream films) - died yesterday at the age of 76.

Craven - whose last feature-film was the underrated Scream 4 - had been battling brain caner.

Despite his penchant for knowing how to scare filmgoers, the man was actually known to be nothing but a nice, gentle guy who people loved working with. Believe it or not, he was actually a college professor before getting into movies. How about that?

While the director was deemed an icon in the horror film industry, he actually made a well-received dramatic film in 1999 starring Meryl Streep called Music of the Heart, which earned the actress an Academy Award nomination.

Obviously speaking though, Craven's lasting legacy will live on through his horror films, including the original The Hills Have Eyes and The Last House on the Left, among many others.

Maybe now is a good time for me to finally get through all of A Nightmare on Elm Street.

Thanks Wes.