Remembering Scott Spiegel: The Genius Behind 'Evil Dead II' Passes at 67
Scott Spiegel, Horror Icon and Mastermind Behind Evil Dead 2, Dies at 67
In a shocking blow to the horror film community, screenwriter and director Scott Spiegel has left this mortal coil at the ripe age of 67. The news of his passing sent shockwaves through social media, with friends and colleagues pouring out their hearts in tribute.
Veteran actor and filmmaker Bruce Campbell took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a heartfelt post about his late friend, which was originally shared by director Robert Kurtzman on Facebook. "RIP to our friend and fellow monster lover... Scotty Spiegel, one of the funniest people I've known," Kurtzman's post read.
Campbell, who starred in Spiegel's Evil Dead 2, added a personal touch to his tribute: "We all met on the set of Evil Dead 2, which he wrote, and became instant friends." He reminisced about their Michigan roots, sharing stories of their formative years together. "This is a big personal loss," Campbell confessed. "Scott Spiegel was a huge part of my formative years back in Michigan... From Sunday School to being stock boys together, to Evil Dead II, which Scott co-wrote, I can't look in the rearview mirror without seeing this unique guy doing cheap gags."
Campbell's post continued: "I'm grateful for the treasure trove of happy memories. Keep Shemping, Scott!" The reference to "Shemp" is a nod to the classic Three Stooges comedy troupe, which Spiegel was known to admire.
Kurtzman, who worked with Spiegel on several projects including From Dusk Till Dawn 2 and Hostel 3, shared his own memories of their collaboration. "He was the first filmmaker to give our newly formed fx company KNB fx its first credit on his film INTRUDER," Kurtzman recalled. The two friends also bonded over their love of model kit building and movie nights at Greg Nicotero's home in the hills.
In a surprising twist, Spiegel made a cameo appearance in Sam Raimi's 2009 horror-mystery Drag Me to Hell, showcasing his versatility behind and in front of the camera. His other credits include The Quick and the Dead, Darkman, From Dusk Till Dawn 2: Texas Blood Money, Dr. Strange and the Multiverse of Madness, and Robot Ninja.
But it was Spiegel's work on Evil Dead 2 that cemented his status as a horror icon. The film's success spawned a cult following, with fans still quoting its iconic lines and referencing its groundbreaking special effects. "Scotty wrote one of my favorite guilty pleasures, the Clint Eastwood film The Rookie," Kurtzman revealed.
As news of Spiegel's passing spread, tributes poured in from across the horror community. His friends and colleagues remembered him as a kindred spirit, a fellow monster lover who brought laughter and joy to those around him. As Campbell so aptly put it: "Will miss your smile and the laughs. See you on the other side, brother."
In a bizarre footnote, Spiegel even managed to sneak in a cameo appearance in 2004's Spider-Man 2, where he attempted to swindle pizzas from the web-slinging hero. It was just one of many memorable moments in his illustrious career, which will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.
The news of Spiegel's passing serves as a poignant reminder that our time on this earth is short-lived. As Kurtzman so eloquently put it: "See you on the other side, brother." Rest in peace, Scott Spiegel – your legacy will live on through the countless films and memories you created during your time with us.
Sources:
- TheScholarlyNote.com
- Interviews with Bruce Campbell and Robert Kurtzman