Tobe Hooper, the legendary filmmaker of such horror classics as The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and Poltergeist, has sadly passed away at the age of 74.
Hooper passed away on Saturday 26th August in Sherman Oaks, California, according to the Los Angeles County Coroner, though the circumstances of his death were not known.
Hooper directed the classic ‘Texas Chain Saw Massacre’ back in 1974 for less than $300,000. It went to gross over $30 million, despite being banned in many global territories for many years, including the UK. He went on to direct the Steven Spielberg-produced Poltergeist in 1982. Both films had remakes made in the past few years.
Hooper also had the likes of Salem’s Lot, The Mangler, and Night Terrors on his resume throughout his multi-decade career.
Tributes from the film world have started to pour in via social media.
Oh no. R.I.P. Tobe Hooper. Texas Chainsaw Massacre is one of the coolest & most terrifying movies ever made. It crawls inside & stays.
— Kumail Nanjiani (@kumailn) August 27, 2017
RIP Tobe Hooper. You scared me more than once. pic.twitter.com/53nBrsy6hW
— John Gholson (@gholson) August 27, 2017
Very sad to hear of the passing of another legend. R.I.P. Tobe Hooper, a groundbreaking filmmaker & a good friend. You will be missed sir ? pic.twitter.com/r5jD0Oo1zP
— Mike Mendez (@madmanmendez) August 27, 2017
I can’t believe #TobeHooper is gone. I just hung out with him a few weeks ago. So sad right now. @eliroth we just talked about him. My God! pic.twitter.com/neF9SbkLNn
— Michael Rosenbaum (@mrosenbaum711) August 27, 2017
RIP Tobe Hooper, best known for TCM, but also helmer of Salem’s Lot, Poltergeist, I’m Dangerous Tonight, and this: https://t.co/ZzjZUvW4jN
— Mark Kermode (@KermodeMovie) August 27, 2017
Hooper is survived by two sons.
