Herschell Gordon Lewis 1929 - 2016

STARBURST is very sad to learn that Herschell Gordon Lewis, the legendary ‘Godfather of Gore’ has passed away aged 87.

Best known for the low-budget shockers he made in the sixties such as Blood Feast, Two Thousand Maniacs!, A Taste of Blood, and The Wizard of Gore, Lewis became one of the most recognisable directors of the cult horror scene, after spending many years incognito as he built up a lucrative and immensely successful career as a marketing guru. His books The Businessman’s Guide to Advertising and Self Promotion and How to Handle Your Own Public Relations became essential reading for those in advertising and multi-level marketing.

His films have gained even more cult status over the years, with sequels (including Lewis’ own Blood Feast 2: All U Can Eat) and remakes hitting screens, and the classic films gaining more exposure since the relaxing of the UK censorship regulations.

H. G. Lewis not only provided us with a wealth of fantastic blood-strewed movies but was a brilliant raconteur in his own right. We would recommend newer fans checking out his book, The Godfather of Gore Speaks, for the definitive word on the films from the man himself. You can find a reprint of our Horror Obscura feature on the great man here.

STARBURST would like to express our sympathy to Herschell’s family and friends.

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