George A. Romero, mastermind behind the modern zombie movie,  died Sunday, his family told the Los Angeles Times. He was 77.

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Romero was creator of the “Night of the Living Dead” franchise which spawned the zombie and gore genres. Romero helmed the movie’s sequels “Dawn of the Dead,” “Day of the Dead,” “Land of the Dead,” “Diary of the Dead” and “George A. Romero’s Survival of the Dead.”

Romero, who had been diagnosed with lung cancer, died in his sleep.

Fans and celebrities took to social media to share their condolences.

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Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com