1940–2017
Toronto Necropolis
Section P Lot 274
George A. Romero is widely celebrated as the “Godfather of the Dead” and the “Father of the Modern Movie Zombie.” His groundbreaking work transformed horror cinema and created a cultural phenomenon that continues to resonate across film, television, literature and gaming.
Romero’s 1968 classic Night of the Living Dead redefined the zombie archetype, introducing a chilling metaphor that reflected deep societal anxieties. Critics hailed him as “a maestro of zombie terror” whose films explored themes of consumerism, militarism and the hidden aggression lurking beneath the appearances of civilization. His influence extended far beyond the screen, inspiring creators like Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead), novelist Seth Grahame-Smith (Pride and Prejudice and Zombies), and prominent filmmakers John Carpenter and Edgar Wright.
Romero’s impact earned him numerous accolades, including the Mastermind Award at Spike TV’s Scream Awards (2009), the Bram Stoker Award for Lifetime Achievement (2015), and the Ted M. Larson Award (2016). These honours reflect his contribution to the horror genre and independent filmmaking.
His legacy lives on through the George A. Romero Foundation, founded in 2018 by his wife Suzanne Desrocher-Romero, which champions creativity in horror and supports independent filmmakers. In 2019, the University of Pittsburgh acquired his archives, launching a multimedia exhibit to preserve his contributions for future generations.
Romero didn’t just create zombie films, he revolutionized horror by turning monsters into mirrors of society. His work introduced social commentary into the horror genre, proving that horror could be both entertaining and intellectually provocative. More than five decades later, his influence continues to shape film, television, literature and gaming, ensuring that every undead story carries echoes of his groundbreaking imagination. His gravesite at Toronto Necropolis quietly marks the place of a creative visionary who imagined the dead coming alive, if only for a night.
Source:
• Wikipedia – George A. Romero
• University of Pittsburgh – George A. Romero Archival Collection
• Britannica – George A. Romero
Photos:
• Standing with glasses - Nicolas Genin, CC BY-SA 2.0
• Romero (center) on the set of Knightriders, 1981, Eduardo Montes-Bradley, CC BY-SA 4.0
• Speaking at an event in Phoenix, Arizona.Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0
• Grave, Nick Number, CC BY-SA 4.0
