Famous Directors and Stars in the Horror Genre

Certain directors and actors are familiar with particular genres, and there are a number of stars and directors who have worked almost exclusively within the horror genre.

Famous directors include:

Jordan Peele 

Jordan Peele, in full Jordan Haworth Peele, (born February 21, 1979, New York City, New York, U.S.), American comedian, writer, director, and producer who was known for creating both comedy and horror films and TV shows that address popular culture and social issues, especially race relations. Jordon Peele has only made three films, over a five-year period, but in that time he has emerged as a master of a new kind of genre: high-concept black horror-thrillers with a social edge and bitingly satirical takes on race, class and gender. A few examples of the horror films he's made: 'Us', 'Get Out', 'Nope' and Candyman. 

John Carpenter

John Howard Carpenter (born January 16, 1948) is an American filmmaker, actor, and composer. Although he has worked in various film genres, he is most commonly associated with horror, action, and science fiction films of the 1970s and 1980s. He is generally recognised as one of the greatest masters of the horror genre. Some of his horror films are 'The Thing' and his series of 'Halloween' films. 

Wes Craven

Wesley Earl Craven (August 2, 1939 – August 30, 2015) was an American film director, screenwriter, producer, actor, and editor. Craven has commonly been recognised as one of the greatest masters of the horror genre due to the cultural impact and influence of his work. Amongst his prolific filmography, Craven was best known for his pioneering work in the horror genre, particularly slasher films, where he mixed horror cliches with humour and satire.

Craven created the 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' franchise, specifically writing and directing the first film, co-writing and producing the third, 'A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors', and writing and directing the seventh, 'Wes Craven's New Nightmare. He additionally directed the first four films in the 'Scream' franchise. Craven's works tend to explore the breakdown of family structures , the nature of dreams and reality, and often feature black humour and satirical elements. 

Civilised families succumb to and exercise violence in 'The Last House on the Left' and 'The Hills Have Eyes', 'A Nightmare on Elm Street', 'Shocker' and the 'Scream' films.

Famous stars include:

Robert Englund

Robert Barton Englund (born June 6, 1947) is an American actor and director. He is best known for playing the supernatural serial killer Freddy Krueger in the 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' film series. Classically trained at the Royal Academy of dramatic art, Englund began his career as a stage actor in regional theatre, and made his film debut in Buster and Billie in 1974. After supporting roles in films in the 1970s such as 'Stay Hungry', 'A Star Is Born' and 'Big Wednesday', Englund had his breakthrough as the resistance fighter 'Willie' in the miniseries in 1983. Following his performance in the original 'A Nightmare On Elm Street' in 1984, he became closely associated with the horror film genre, and is widely-regarded as one of its iconic actors.

Kane Hodder

Kane Warren Hodder (born April 8, 1955) is an American actor, stuntman, and author. Hodder is best known for his portrayal of Jason Voorhees  in the 'Friday the 13th' franchise, with four appearances in the film series: 'Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood', 'Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan',  'Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday' and 'Jason X'. He is also known for his role as Victor Crowley in the 'Hatchet' series. He also played Leatherface during the stunts of 'Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre II.