The film industry mourns the loss of Jeff Burr, a renowned director in the horror genre, known for his significant contributions to several notable horror franchises. Burr, aged 60, passed away in Dalton, Georgia, succumbing to complications following a stroke, as confirmed by his friend, actor Eric Spudic.
Burr’s directorial prowess was widely recognized through his work on several horror films, including The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III, Pumpkinhead II, and entries in the Puppet Master series. His journey into the world of horror filmmaking was marked by a passion that was evident from his youth, where he engaged with horror magazines and created his own Super-8 movies.
His second feature, From a Whisper to a Scream, was a horror anthology that starred the legendary Vincent Price, whom Burr managed to bring on board in a rather unconventional yet bold manner. He simply visited Price’s residence with a script and a bottle of wine in hand, a gesture that not only demonstrated his dedication but also his genuine appreciation for the actor’s work. This approach was successful, leading to a collaboration that would be remembered by horror fans.
Burr’s career in the horror genre was not without its challenges. He was not the initial choice for directing Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III but stepped into the role after others departed from the project. Despite the hurdles, the film, produced on a $2 million budget, managed to gross $5.8 million, solidifying Burr’s credentials in the genre and establishing him as a notable director in horror cinema.
His career spanned various other projects, including Puppet Master 4 (1993), Puppet Master 5 (1994), and Puppet Master: Blitzkrieg Massacre (2018). Burr also showcased his versatility with films like Eddie Presley (1992), which featured Quentin Tarantino and Bruce Campbell as asylum attendants, and co-writing and directing the World War II drama Straight Into Darkness (2004).
iHorror extends its condolences to Burr’s family and friends during this difficult time.His legacy in the world of horror cinema will not be forgotten.