The modern zombie as we know it first appeared in George Romero’s 1968 horror classic Night of the Living Dead. And the first zombie to lurch on screen in that film was played by actor and cinematographer Bill Hinzman.

We’re sad to report that Hinzman died of cancer this week at the age of 75. He was working as an assistant cameraman on the film when Romero decided to cast him as what would become one of the most famous zombies of all time.

Paying homage to his groundbreaking work, artist Josh Taylor created this illustration of Hinzman as a walking corpse from Night’s opening scene in a secluded Pennsylvania cemetery. On the eve of the mid-season premiere of The Walking Dead it’s important to keep in mind the people responsible for kicking off the zombie craze some forty years ago.

We’re going to miss you, Bill. But we hope you never come back!