Scott Spiegel, who co-wrote Evil Dead 2 with frequent collaborator Sam Raimi, has reportedly passed away at the age of 67.
Spiegel met Raimi and Bruce Campbell in junior high and went on to play the role of Scotty in Within the Woods, which served as a precursor to The Evil Dead.
In addition to writing Evil Dead 2, he served as a “Fake Shemp” in both The Evil Dead and Evil Dead 2.
Spiegel would pop up in cameos in several of Raimi’s later efforts, including Darkman, The Quick and the Dead, Spider-Man, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Outside his work with Raimi, Spiegel is known for writing and directing the 1989 slasher Intruder, inspired by his time working at a grocery store, as well as helming From Dusk Till Dawn 2: Texas Blood Money and Hostel: Part III.
Spiegel also executive produced the Hostel franchise, co-wrote Clint Eastwood‘s The Rookie, produced 2001 Maniacs, and introduced Quentin Tarantino to producer Lawrence Bender, who helped get Reservoir Dogs made.
“This is a big personal loss,” Campbell wrote on Twitter. “Scott Spiegel was a huge part of my formative years back in Michigan. From Sunday School to being stock boys together, to Evil Dead II, which Scott co-wrote, I can’t look in the rear view mirror without seeing this unique guy doing cheap gags.”
Campbell continued, “I’m grateful for the treasure trove of happy memories. Keep Shemping, Scott!”
Sam Raimi and Scott Spiegel on the set of ‘Evil Dead 2’