Craven, who began his career in the 1970s, most notably created the uber successful "Nightmare on Elm Street" franchise of films. He also directed the "Scream" franchise. On top of these two very successful ventures, his resume also included "The Hills Have Eyes", "The Serpent and the Rainbow" and "The Last House on the Left", among others.
Craven went to Wheaton College and graduated with degrees in English and psychology, and then graduated with a master's in philosophy and writing from Johns Hopkins.
He is survived by wife Iya Labunka, his son Jonathan, daughter Jessica, step-daughter Nina Tarnawksy, his sister Carol Buhrow, and 3 grandchildren.
Craven once said, "I believe the cinema is one of our principal forms of art. It is an incredibly powerful way to tell uplifting stories that can move people to cry with joy and inspire them to reach for the stars."
