The man considered to be the leading innovator of the zombie genre has died at age 77 after a short battle with cancer. George A. Romero first found success with the cult classic Night of the Living Dead, the 1968 movie defined the genre and would be the template for many other zombie films to come.
The movie is considered to be one of the greatest independent movies of all time after starting out with a budget of $114,000 and going on to earn $30 million.
Romero released several sequels and influenced countless other directors along the way.
The director passed away in his sleep after what’s been described by his family as a “brief but aggressive” battle with lung cancer.
We would like to offer our thoughts and prayers to the loved ones of George A. Romero at this difficult time.