George A. Romero dead at 77 – Night of the Living Dead director passes away following a battle with lung cancer
The filmmaker died listening to the score of one of his favourite movies
LEGENDARY filmmaker George A. Romero has died aged 77.
Romero, known as the father of the modern movie zombie genre, died after a "brief but aggressive" battle with lung cancer, his family confirmed.
He died listening to the score of one of his favourite movies, 1952's The Quiet Man.
The American-Canadian filmmaker is best known for his films about an imagined zombie apocalypse, most notably the movie Night of the Living Dead.
His other works also included Dawn of the Dead and Day of the Dead.
Known as the Godfather of the Dead, Romero previously said he wanted to make the most of the "bizarre".
His cult classic Night of the Living Dead was made for just USD $114,000 - £87,000 - and made USD $30m, paving the way for the horror genre and other popular zombie-inspired shows including The Walking Dead.
But the filmmaker was not always a fan of the newest zombie flicks.
Speaking in an interview with Timeline, he said: "I used to be the only guy in the playground, I was the only guy doing zombies.
"Then all of a sudden The Walking Dead happened and it became mainstream and now they're all over the place."
He added: "Basically it's just a soap opera with a zombie occasionally.
"I always used the zombie as a character for satire or a political criticism, and I find that missing in what's happening now."
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The filmmaker was born in 1940 in the Bronx, quickly becoming enamoured with movies by his teens.
He eventually went on to study art and design before working his way into film, with his work becoming a legacy for other horror fans.
In 2009, he was honoured with the Mastermind Award at Spike TV's Scream 2009, presented with the award by fan Quentin Tarantino.
He was also praised for casting African-American actor Duane Jones for his Night of the Living flik.
Recollecting the choice, he said: "Consciously I resisted writing new dialogue ‘cause he happens to be black. We just shot the script.
"Perhaps 'Night of the Living Dead' is the first film to have a black man playing the lead role regardless of, rather than because of, his race."
Romero leaves behind three children.
Tributes have flowed for the filmmaker, with film director Guillermo del Toro writing: "Romero has passed away. Hard to find words right now. The loss is so enormous."
Film writer Scott Weinberg said: "Most horror directors work IN the genre. George Romero created a genre. Every zombie show / movie you know owes Romero some credit."
Actor Antonio Banderas also paid tribute to him, writing: "RIP George A. Romero. A true #Horror legend. Thanks for all the films."
Actor Mark Gatiss added: "A fond farewell to charming, legendary zombie king George Romero. 'Martin' is one of my favourite horrors. An honour to have met him. RIP"
Horror author Stephen King added: "Sad to hear my favorite collaborator--and good old friend--George Romero has died.
"George, there will never be another like you."