It pains us to have to report the passing of yet another horror icon in 2016, but we’ve just learned that Herschell Gordon Lewis has passed away at 87. The announcement was broken by “Something Weird Video” who had a long working relationship with Lewis and named their company after his 1967 film Something Weird.
Lewis had been known for decades as “The Godfather of Gore” and nobody had more claim to the title. He practically invented the splatter film with Blood Feast and became revered as a master of exploitation with films like Two Thousand Maniacs!, A Taste of Blood, The Wizard of Gore, She-Devils on Wheels and so many more.
Lewis was a true fan of the genre, supportive of creators and fans alike. He was one of the filmmakers who defined the face of modern horror, who helped turn the tide from the gothic dramas and sci-fi B-Movies of the ’50s and ’60s to the gritty realism of the ’70s. He was putting images on the screen that no one had seen before at a time when no one else was.
He kept working, creating and being a major horror presence up until the end of his life. Our deepest condolences go out to his friends and family. No cause of death has been given so far, but we will keep you updated as more information comes in.
