Filmmaker John Lafia, known to horror fans for co-writing the original Child’s Play and directing the cult classic sequel Child’s Play 2, has sadly passed away. Reportedly, Lafia died from suicide on April 29 in Los Angeles, but additional details on the circumstances of his passing aren’t clear. He was 63 years old.
Directed by Tom Holland, the original Child’s Play was co-written by Holland, Lafia, and Don Mancini, and Lafia has been credited as the one to come up with the name “Chucky.” Lafia would hop into the director’s chair for Child’s Play 2 with Mancini again writing the screenplay. Lafia also directed the classic horror film Man’s Best Friend and multiple episodes of Freddy’s Nightmares, among other film and television projects. He would also direct the live-action video game Corpse Killer in the early ’90s. Needless to say, his work is well-appreciated by fans of the horror genre.
Per Variety, Mancini wrote a statement about Lafia’s death which was shared by the Lafia family. You can read it below.
We’re devastated to hear of the passing of our friend John Lafia. He was a crucial part of the ‘Chucky’ family from the very beginning. He co-wrote the original ‘Child’s Play’ script along with director Tom Holland and myself, and John directed ‘Child’s Play 2,’ — the consensus favorite film among ‘Chucky’ fans. John was an incredibly generous artist. He let me tag along with him to every meeting, and shadow him on set; he taught me more about filmmaking during the production of that movie than several semesters in film school. John was also one of the most naturally curious and constantly creative people I ever met, someone who was always taking pictures, and jotting down ideas.
Another legend leaves us just when it seems like 2020 couldn’t get much worse. Lafia is survived by two children, Tess and Kane, and ex-wife Beverly. Condolences go to them along with Mancini and everyone else who knew Lafia best.
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