David Del Valle, Admired Historian of Horror Films, Dies at 77

David Del Valle, a historian and author known for his deep knowledge of horror films, has died aged 77. His work helped preserve the genre’s history through interviews, writing and more than 120 film commentary tracks, while his personal connections with many of the people he covered gave his storytelling distinctive authority.

Del Valle died in Burbank on Wednesday after a battle with oesophageal cancer, his friend and caregiver Dano Marino said. He interviewed Vincent Price in 1987 in what is considered the actor’s most substantial interview, wrote two books and contributed to Fangoria and Films in Review. His career also included work at Cannon Films, talent representation and appearances in several films; Marino will oversee his collection of posters, photographs and rare books.