Tributes pour in as Australian movie industry icon dies aged just 44: ‘Struggling to process this tragic news’
Melbourne-based cult film expert and critic Lee Gambin has died.
The news of his death was released on the Internet by his friends on Friday. He was 44.
The cause of death has not been made public.
Although not widely known outside the circles of film enthusiasts Down Under, Gambin had an active career as an expert on cult films and horror films that had gained the respect of film historians and fans around the world.
Over the past decade he has been in demand by international physical media producers to provide learned commentary and essays for DVD and Blu-ray releases.
Australian cult film expert, film critic and author Lee Gambin has died at the age of 44 (photo)
Born in 1979, Gambin became a film lecturer and was a major identity at the Melbourne film group Cinemaniacs.
He was also the author of several film books, including Like Being on Mars – An Oral history of Carrie, which looked at the making of Brian de Palma’s 1976 horror classic.
Gambin also provided commentary on that gruesome fan favorite for the film’s release via Britain’s prestigious Arrow label.
Gambin, a horror film enthusiast, also wrote a book about the creation of another Stephen King cult film classic, “Nope, Nothing to See Here: The Making of Cujo.”
Born in 1979, Gambin became a film lecturer and was a major identity at the Melbourne film group Cinemaniacs. He was also the author of several film books, including Like Being on Mars – An Oral history of Carrie, which looked at the making of Brian de Palma’s 1976 horror classic (pictured)
Although not widely known outside the circles of film enthusiasts Down Under, Gambin had an active career as an expert on cult films and horror films that had gained the respect of film historians and fans around the world.
He also wrote for a range of fan-based publications, online and in print, which earned him his own cult following, including Scream, Fangoria, Delirium, Diabolique and Shock Till You Drop.
Sad friends from the film industry have gone to pay tribute to X.
Home video film distributor Umbrella Entertainment, who had a close relationship with Gambin, shared kind words.
“We cannot reiterate enough what we said this morning regarding the loss of Lee Gambin,” they wrote in a statement.
Over the past decade he has been in demand by international physical media producers to provide learned commentary and essays for DVD and Blu-ray releases. Pictured: the cover of Gambin’s book about the making of the horror classic Cujo
‘A truly vibrant voice of cinema and a valued presence, especially here in Melbourne. It was a pleasure to hear him speak… about his many contributions to physical media messages. Thanks, Lee!’
Filmmaker Jamie Blanks also paid a moving tribute.
‘My heart is broken. Gifted author, passionate film lover and my dear friend Lee Gambin has sadly passed away. “He was a lovely, kind man with an incredible passion for film and his friends,” he wrote.
‘I am struggling to come to terms with this tragic news. I will miss him so much. RIP Lee.”
Meanwhile, another fan wrote a sweet tribute.
‘A stranger I’ve never met. But ‘gutted’ to hear this news! So much knowledge! Grateful to see him participating in the upcoming “Can’t Stop The Music” 4K! Thanks, Lee!’ they said.