With the character of Leatherface, Hopper would inexorably change the horror genre. The film debuted in 1974 to mixed reviews from critics, but plaudits from audiences. Shot for less that $300,000, the film about a family of cannibals terrorizing attractive college students would go on to gross more than $30 million at the domestic box office. The film would also gain notoriety for being banned in several countries due to excessive violence.
Hooper would direct a slightly more comedic sequel in 1986, but the original Texas Chain Saw Massacre established many of the motifs central to the slasher genre, and the film spawned dozens of imitators (including several lackluster sequels and remakes of the original film).
Hooper remained focused on the horror genre throughout most of his career, notably directing a well-regarded and surprisingly spooky made-for-TV adaptation of Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot (1979); the original Poltergeist film (1982), which was written by Steven Spielberg; and the campy but thoroughly entertaining Lifeforce (1985), which pitted pre-Jean-Luc-Picard Patrick Stewart and others against space vampires.
Eventually, Hooper focused on genre television, notable directing episodes of Masters of Horror, Night Visions, Tales From the Crypt, Freddy’s Nightmares, and Amazing Stories as well as more mainstream fare, such as an episode of The Equalizer.
Hooper is survived by two sons, William and Tony.