Date of Birth: July 15, 1936
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Date of Death: March 23, 2019
Biography
Larry Cohen was an American film director, screenwriter, and producer, known for his work in the horror and thriller genres. Born in New York City, Cohen began his career in television, writing for series such as “The Defenders” and “The Invaders.” He transitioned to film directing in the early 1970s and quickly gained a reputation for his innovative and often low-budget horror movies. Notable films include “It’s Alive” (1974), a chilling tale of a murderous mutant baby, and “Q: The Winged Serpent” (1982), which features a giant flying lizard terrorizing New York City. Cohen’s films are often marked by their satirical undertones and social commentary. Throughout his career, Cohen collaborated with notable actors such as Michael Moriarty and Fred Williamson and worked across a variety of genres, including blaxploitation, horror, and science fiction. He was also known for his unique ability to blend horror with humor and social critique, which made his films stand out in the crowded genre landscape. Larry Cohen passed away on March 23, 2019, leaving behind a legacy of cult classics and a reputation as a maverick filmmaker.
5 Interesting Facts about Larry Cohen
1. Larry Cohen started his career in television, writing episodes for series like “Branded,” “Blue Light,” and “The Fugitive.”
2. He was known for his guerrilla filmmaking techniques, often shooting scenes without permits in public places.
3. Cohen’s film “It’s Alive” was a surprise box office hit, earning over $7 million on a budget of just $500,000.
4. He wrote the screenplay for the cult classic “Phone Booth,” directed by Joel Schumacher and starring Colin Farrell.
5. Cohen received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2017 Fantasia International Film Festival.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Larry Cohen
1. “I never want to make the same movie twice. I always want to do something different.”
2. “Horror films are the best way to deal with your fears. They allow you to confront them in a controlled environment.”
3. “I think the key to a great horror film is to make it relatable. The more people can see themselves in the story, the scarier it becomes.”
4. “Sometimes, you have to break the rules to make something truly unique.”
5. “The beauty of low-budget filmmaking is the freedom it gives you to experiment and take risks.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the height of his career, Larry Cohen’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.
Children
Larry Cohen had two children, a son named Louis Cohen and a daughter named Melissa Cohen.
Relevant Links
1. [Larry Cohen IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0169541/
2. [Larry Cohen’s Films on Rotten Tomatoes](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/larry_cohen
4. [Larry Cohen’s “It’s Alive” Overview](https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/79412/its-alive/#overview
