Sources in foreign territories are currently reporting that cult director Umberto Lenzi has passed away at age 86. Since US outlets are currently unmanned, no details are confirmed at this point. I’ll be sure to keep readers updated as this unfortunate death becomes more public. Regardless, what a terrible tragedy during the biggest month for horror fans.

I’m not too familiar with pre-1980’s horror films outside of the most iconic titles, but I still recognize the name Umberto Lenzi. He started his career as a film critic and writer before directing spaghetti westerns and action dramas. Later on in his career, he branched out into the horror genre and became one of the greatest giallo thriller and Italian exploitation creators of all time.

He’s most known for Italian and European hits like So Sweet, So Perverse (1969), An Ideal Place to Kill (1971), Seven Blood Stained Orchids (1972), Sacrifice (1972), Knife of Ice (1972), Spasmo (1974), Eaten Alive (1980), The House of Witchcraft (1989), Hell’s Gate (1989), House of Lost Souls (1989), Nightmare Beach (1989) and Black Demons (1991). His contributions to American cinema can be found in Almost Human (1974), Eyeball (1975), Nightmare City (1980), Cannibal Ferox (1981) and Ghosthouse (1988).

Umberto was born to simple beginnings in Massa Marittima, Italy on August 6, 1931 and ended up as one of the most recognizable horror directors of all time. And that deserves a ton of respect and admiration. All of us here at HorrorSociety.com send our condolences to his family, friends and fans. He was truly one of those perfect legends who’ve gone too soon.