This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
'The Texas Chain Saw Massacre' Director Tobe Hooper Dies At 74
Tobe Hooper in 2006. (Photo by Koichi Kamoshida / Getty Images)
Tobe Hooper, the acclaimed horror director of Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Poltergeist, has died at age 74. He passed away Saturday in Sherman Oaks of natural causes, according to Variety.
The director shot The Texas Chain Saw Massacre for $300,000 and it became one of the most profitable independent films of the 1970s. The gruesome and brutal film was hugely influential in the horror genre, starting a trend of faceless killers in slasher films. The film was so violent several countries banned it when it was released. It features little actual blood or gore, though, so he apparently tried to get a PG rating, according to NPR.
Hooper directed Poltergeist from Steven Spielberg's script, and the film would go on to receive several Academy Award nominations and a cult following. It also has spawned several rumors that Spielberg himself directed the film. The assistant cameraman for Poltergeist said it himself on the Shock Waves podcast earlier this summer.
Hooper also directed the television adaptation of Stephen King's Salem's Lot, which set a new standard for television adaptations of horror.
Sorry to hear Tobe Hooper passed. He did a terrific job directing the 'SALEM'S LOT miniseries, back in the day. He will be missed.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) August 27, 2017
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
