Wes Craven, whose "Nightmare on Elm Street" and "Scream" movies made him one of the most recognizable names in the horror film genre, has died. He was 76.

Craven's family said in a statement that he died in his Los Angeles home Sunday after battling brain cancer.

A prolific writer, director and editor, Craven was credited with reinventing the teen horror genre with the 1984 release of "A Nightmare on Elm Street" starring a then-unknown Johnny Depp. The movie led to several sequels, as did his 1996 movie "Scream."

Besides his work in horror films, Craven also directed the drama "Music of the Heart," which earned Meryl Streep an Oscar nomination.

Craven is survived by his wife, producer Iya Labunka, a son, a daughter and a stepdaughter.

http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2015/08/30/horror-master-wes-craven-dies-at-76/



----------------------------------------------------




He directed two of my favorite horror films- The Hills Have Eyes (1977), and The Serpent And The Rainbow. A Nightmare On Elm Street is iconic. And even some of his cheesier efforts like Swamp Thing, and Deadly Friend are a lot of fun.

"Devastated to hear the news. Wes was a great friend, fine director and good man. Giant loss. Much too soon ..."

- John Carpenter

One of the all time, talented greats. I loved this mans work,God Bless to him and his family.

Very talented Man. rest in peace, Wes Craven

Craven's collaboration with Kevin Williamson on Scream honestly saved horror films. Always felt that after Carpenter, Wes Craven was the greatest horror mind of the last thirty years. Hell....he is one of the best horror minds of all time. RIP to a true horror genius.

Nah, Scream just gave us a bunch of 90s Scream clones. I much prefer Wes' pre-Scream output. Still though, no denying his impact on the horror genre.