Hollywood Pays Tribute to George Romero

Hollywood takes to social media to pay tribute to Night of the Living Dead creator George Romero. When news broke that the legendary filmmaker had passed away after a short but aggressive battle with lung cancer, fans and friends around the world were devastated. Often referred to as the father of the zombie genre of horror films, Romero's influence in film and television can be found both within the zombie genre and in other projects as well.

Known primarily for his "Living Dead" film series, Romero directed a total of 16 films including non-zombie fare such as The Crazies, Monkey Shines, Creepshow and The Dark Half. He also served as a writer and even an actor in films directed by others. As news of his passing spread, fans, friends and long-time collaborators took to social media to pay their respects and honor the art that Romero created.

Stephen King, Guillermo del Toro, Max Landis, Jordan Peele, and more paid tribute to Romero and the influence he had on their lives. Here are just a few of the messages left to honor the man and his legacy.

Sad to hear my favorite collaborator--and good old friend--George Romero has died. George, there will never be another like you.— Stephen King (@StephenKing) July 16, 2017

Romero has passed away. Hard to find words right now. The loss is so enormous.— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) July 16, 2017

SAD YET SOMEHOW FITTING GEORGE ROMERO'S INFLUENCE ON STORYTELLING NOW GNAWS AT US FROM THE GRAVE - THANK YOU, MR. ROMERO AND REST IN PEACE pic.twitter.com/H9OjBcwz0c— Bryan Fuller (@BryanFuller) July 16, 2017

A fond farewell to charming, legendary zombie king George Romero. 'Martin' is one of my favourite horrors. An honour to have met him. RIP pic.twitter.com/8ZIwjxFrmx— Mark Gatiss (@Markgatiss) July 16, 2017

George Romero was an icon who created a cinematic universe of loosely affiliated sequels forty years before that was a thing
RIP to a genius— Max Landis (@Uptomyknees) July 16, 2017

Romero started it. pic.twitter.com/i4dnxi8EFV— Jordan Peele (@JordanPeele) July 16, 2017

Goodbye George A Romero. We laughed through 50 years and 9 films. I will miss him. There is a light that has gone out and can't be replaced. pic.twitter.com/N0MAC1ItVM— Tom Savini (@THETomSavini) July 16, 2017

Some of Romero's friends and fans have also taken to sharing the statements and photos posted by others as a way to express their feelings on Romero's passing. Several organizations, including Romero's alma matter of Carnegie Mellon University, shared thoughts and condolences to Romero's friends and family as well.

Many have praised Romero's use of his films, especially the "Living Dead" series, to provide commentary on social issues that he found important. In his later years, Romero suggested that this was the reason that he wasn't doing large studio films anymore; studios didn't want zombie movies about social issues, so Romero returned to his roots as an independent filmmaker. Though his work is seen largely as genre films, he tackled topics such as racism, sexism, rampant consumerism and even the military-industrial complex and income inequality in his movies.

Some found it fitting that for all of the violence, horror and uncomfortable truths contained within his films, Romero passed away quietly. He was surrounded by family and friends, listening to the score of the John Wayne film The Quiet Man -- one of his favorite movies.

As news of Romero's passing continues to spread, more outpourings of grief and condolences will likely continue. He made a definite impact on both his fans and those that he worked with in the industry, and he will certainly be missed.