The horror community has lost a true original. Scott Spiegel, filmmaker, writer, director, producer, and a cornerstone of the Evil Dead family, has passed away. His career was defined by a mischievous sense of humor and an eye for the outrageous. Yet for those who knew him, Scott was far more than his filmography: he was a friend, a collaborator, and a man whose presence made rooms brighter.
Growing up in Michigan, Scott Spiegel and his small group of teenage friends with big imaginations started experimenting with Super 8 cameras. Alongside Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell, Josh Becker, and Rob Tapert, he threw himself into making short films that mixed slapstick comedy with experimental overtones. What started as backyard productions would become more than just practice runs; they were the foundation of their success and the start of their lifelong collaboration. Out of those early days came the energy and style that would define the Evil Dead films and, in many ways, reshape modern horror.
That mix of horror and humor would become Scott’s trademark. He co-wrote Evil Dead II, infusing his offbeat, kinetic style into a film that remains one of horror’s greatest sequels. He went on to direct the cult classic Intruder (1989), a late-night video store staple known for its inventive kills and playful camerawork. In the late ’90s, he entered the From Dusk Till Dawn universe, directing From Dusk Till Dawn 2: Texas Blood Money, which brought his unique blend of horror and dark comedy to Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino’s world. Along the way, Scott produced and contributed to countless projects, always pushing boundaries and inspiring those around him.
Producer Jeff Miller remembered:
“In the short time I knew Scott, I found him to be a funny and friendly guy with a passion for movies and film. With credits on multiple notable franchises, not to mention his own supermarket slasher Intruder, he leaves behind a great legacy.”
Filmmaker Sheldon Lettich, who had known Scott for decades, summed up a side of him that often got overlooked:
“He had an uncanny ability to make me laugh. Despite his reputation as a horror maven, he was one of the most genuinely funny people I’d ever met. Prior to his horror career, Scotty and his partner, Josh Becker, and also with Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell, made a number of hysterically funny comedy shorts, with titles like The Nutty Nut and The Sappy Sap. They were heavily influenced by the Three Stooges style of slapstick comedy.”
I had the chance to meet him a couple of years ago while doing a book signing in Burbank, California, at the Martial Arts History Museum with Sheldon for our book, Sheldon Lettich: From Vietnam to Van Damme. Scott Spiegel was an old friend of Sheldon’s, and he surprised everyone by showing up that day.
Sheldon introduced us, and, knowing my admiration for Scott’s work and the fact that we both hailed from Michigan, told him how much of a big fan I was. Scott was very humble about the praise but genuinely grateful that people enjoyed his films. That humility, paired with the obvious pride in his work, left a lasting impression on me.
Scott Spiegel’s legacy will always live in the films he made and the filmmakers he influenced. We also have the memory of a man who loved movies, loved to make people laugh, and loved to share that joy with those around him. Scott was proud of what he created, grateful for his audience, yet always a little shy about taking the spotlight. He was a Michigan kid who never stopped dreaming big, and the world of genre cinema is richer because of it.
