If you ever saw cult horror film classics like It’s Alive or It Lives Again, then you are probably familiar with the work of Larry Cohen.
The writer-director of films including The Stuff and A Return to Salem’s Lot died Monday. He was 77.
The announcement was made via his Facebook page: “The entire #KingCohen team mourns the loss of its star, hero and King, #LarryCohen. His unparalleled talents were surpassed only by his giant heart. The impact he made on television and cinema will be felt forever, and our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and fans.”
Cohen’s career in television and film began as a writer on procedural crime shows of the ’60s and ’70s, like The Fugitive, The Invaders, Columbo and The Defenders. He also created The Defenders spin-off Coronet Blue.
In 1974, Cohen wrote and directed the horror film It’s Alive, about a mutant and murderous baby monster. The film fit nicely in between the “devil-child” films of the 70s including The Exorcist and The Omen. Here is a trailer below:
The film became a cult hit and spawned two sequels, “It’s Alive II: It Lives Again”and “It’s Alive III: Island of the Alive.”
Cohen briefly returned to directing for an episode of Masters of Horror, but continued with his writing of such films as Phone Booth starring Colin Farrell and Katie Holmes, and Cellular starring Chris Evans and Kim Basinger.
He is survived by five children — Pam, Victoria Jill, Melissa, Bobby and Louis — and his second wife, psychotherapist Cynthia Costas Cohen, all of whom have appeared in his films.
Reel 360 extends our condolences to the Cohen family.
Source: The Wrap
