Tobe Hooper, Director of ‘Poltergeist’ and ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre,’ Dies at 74

Sad new to report in the world of horror. Director Tobe Hooper passed away Saturday night in Sherman Oaks, California, according to the L.A. County Coroner. The details of his death are not yet known. He was 74.

Born in Austin, Texas, Hooper is best known for directing one of the most terrifying films ever made, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Loosely based on the true story of Ed Gein, the film tells the story about a group of friends who come in contact with a group of sadistic cannibals. He also went on to direct the film’s sequel, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 and writing credits for the franchise’s Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3-D

Hooper’s other best-known film was 1982’s Poltergeist, which was written and produced by Steven Spielberg.

Other films directed by Hooper include Invaders from Mars, Lifeforce, The Funhouse, Night Terrors, The Mangler, and Djinn.  His television work includes the miniseries adaptation of Salem’s Lot, episodes of Masters of Horror, Tales from the Crypt, Freddy’s Nightmares and The Equalizer.

Tobe Hooper is survived by his two sons.

Condolences to Tobe’s family, friends and all affected by this loss.