Legendary horror writer/director Wes Craven has died of brain cancer at the age of 76, The Hollywood Reporter reports.
Craven is best known for creating the iconic Freddy Krueger character in the "Nightmare on Elm Street" franchise as well as the 'ghostface killer' in the "Scream" films (which is now an MTV series).
The first "Nightmare on Elm Street" film is also notable for being the on-screen debut of ubiquitous American actor Johnny Depp.
Wes Craven was also responsible for a slew of other classics that have since been remade, including "The Hills Have Eyes" and "The Last House on the Left," which was his debut feature in 1972.
In 2005, he returned post-"Scream" trilogy to direct both thecritically acclaimed plane thriller "Red Eye" and the not-so-well-received Christina Ricci werewolf film "Cursed."
He most recently sat in the director's chair for 2011's "Scream 4," eleven years after the release of "Scream 3" in 2000.
The following is a statement from Wes Craven's family, via The Wrap:
"It is with deep sadness we inform you that Wes Craven passed away at 1PM on Sunday, August 30 after battling brain cancer. He was 76 years old. Craven was surrounded by love, in the presence of his family at his Los Angeles home.
Craven is survived by his wife, producer and former Disney Studios VP Iya Labunka, older sister Carol Buhrow, son Jonathan Craven with wife Rachel Craven and their two sons Miles and Max; daughter Jessica Craven with husband Mike Wodkowski and their daughter Myra-Jean Wodkowski; and Wes’ stepdaughter Nina Tarnawksy. Craven was predeceased by his parents Paul Eugene Craven, a machinist who passed away when Wes was 5 years old, his mother Caroline, a bookkeeper; and his older brother Paul James Craven.
One of the most prolific filmmakers of all time, Craven was also a nature lover and committed bird conservationist, serving as a long-time member of the Audubon California Board of Directors. He was born in Cleveland, OH on August 2nd, 1939. Craven was a longtime summer resident of Martha’s Vineyard where he moved permanently 3 years ago before returning to Los Angeles for work and health reasons.
In addition Craven continued to be active as a mentor and producer to newer filmmakers, and is an Executive Producer of the upcoming feature film “The Girl in the Photographs” which will premiere at the 2015 Toronto Film Festival."
SEE ALSO: 'Creep' starring Mark Duplass is no-budget horror done right
