My very first horror convention was a Fangoria’s Weekend of Horrors, in California, in April of 1988. At that show, promoting their latest film, the remake of The Blob, were screenwriter Frank Darabont and director Chuck Russell. They talked about being told that they can’t kill a kid in their version of The Blob. Chuck said, “Watch me.” And let’s not forget that the previous year, him and Darabont helped catapult Freddy Kruger into real stardom with A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors. Years later, here in Chicago during a screening of The Blob, he gave another great Q&A after the screening, which is where I took this photo.

But it is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Russell, who left us on Wednesday, July 22nd. While he didn’t have a huge filmography, what he did do was always pretty damn entertaining. A talent that will truly be missed. Our thoughts go out to his friends and family during this difficult time.