The franchise’s razor-fingered villain Freddy Krueger, played by Robert Englund, is considered an icon of the genre.

Craven was best known for his work on horror films and creating the “Nightmare on Elm Street” franchise.

Tributes have poured in for Craven, all serving as a reminder of just how great his impact was on a generation of movie-goers – some of whom have become successful horror filmmakers themselves.

Before launching his successful career as a filmmaker, Craven briefly taught English at Westminster College in Salt Lake City. “They release it”.

His first feature film was The Last House on The Left, a chilling movie set in a remote lakehouse, which he wrote and directed in 1972. If you haven’t checked it out, now’s as good a time as any.

The Scream and Nightmare on Elm Street died on Sunday (August 30) in Los Angeles. He would direct 5 more movies before introducing the world to Freddy Krueger in the Nightmare on Elm Street films.

Wes Craven did not start off his career in film.

Also, I think we all made damn sure never to fall asleep in a warm bath after watching this scene from the innovative 1984 film.

The formula would work again for Craven with the “Scream” series. By 1996, the Craven-style slasher was a well-known type, even if it wasn’t always made by him. The movies featured established stars such as Drew Barrymore, Courtney Cox, and Neve Campbell. Tonight, many of those followers have taken to social media to celebrate the late director for his contributions to cinema.

That same year Craven had his first novel published by Simon and Schuster, The Fountain Society. He had recently penned a monthly column “Wes Craven’s The Birds” for Matha’s Vineyard Magazine.

The director kept busy all the way up until his death. Along with producing MTV’s Scream series, he was developing The People Under the Stairs with Syfy, Disciples with UCP, We Are All Completely Fine with Syfy/UCP, and Sleepers with Federation Entertainment. See below for a selection of commemorative tweets about the decorated director, writer, producer and actor.