Starburst was sorry to hear that Jesús (Jess) Franco Manera passed away this morning, from complications of a stroke, at a clinic in Malaga, Spain. He was 82 years old.

In a career than spanned over five decades, he directed over 199 films, many of which he also doubled as writer, cameraman, editor and actor. While not to everyone’s taste, Jess had a unique vision with films such as The Awful Dr. Orloff (1962), Vampyros Lesbos (1971) and his version of Count Dracula (1970) – in which he managed to get Christopher Lee to reprise his signature role – amongst his extensive, diverse resume. His final feature, Al Pereira VS The Alligator Ladies, had its first public screening only last month.

It’s often said, but in this case it’s very true, there will never be another like him.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends.