Filmmaker Scott Spiegel, best known for his work with Sam Raimi, has passed away.

Born on December 24th 1957, Spiegel grew up in Birmingham, Michigan. Whilst attending West Maple Junior High School, he met best friends and future collaborators Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell.

Working with Raimi and Campbell, Spiegel appeared in several of Raimi’s early short films, including; It’s Murder, Clockwork, and Within the Woods. The latter short became the basis for Raimi’s iconic classic The Evil Dead.

Spiegel soon branched out into filmmaking; writing, producing, and directing his own short films. Continuing to work with Raimi and Campbell, Spiegel crafted Attack of the Helping Hand, The Blind Waiter, and Cleavland Smith: Bounty Hunter.

In 1985, Spiegel broke into features, writing and producing Josh Becker’s action-horror film Thou Shalt Not Kill… Except. The film once again featured Campbell and Raimi in acting roles.

In 1987, Spiegel collaborated with Raimi on his iconic sequel Evil Dead II. Once again, Spiegel served as a producer and writer alongside Raimi.

1989 would see Spiegel make his feature film debut as a director with the slasher movie Intruder. Made with profits from Evil Dead II, the movie would go on to attain cult status for its graphic gore effects. Spiegel once again appeared in a small acting role, alongside Campbell, Raimi, and Raimi’s brother Ted.

Over the years, Spiegel would maintain a close friendship with Raimi, and have cameos in most of the director’s work. Spiegel can be seen in the likes of Darkman, The Quick and the Dead, Spider-Man, Drag Me to Hell, and Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness.

Spiegel would also continue directing and producing films, working on the likes of From Dusk til Daun 2: Texas Blood Money, The Nutt House, 2001 Maniacs, and the Hostel franchise.

The filmmaker had been working on Spring Break ’83 prior to his passing. The retro slasher film tribute is still without a release date, and will now act as Spiegel’s first posthumous project.

Of the loss of his close friend, Bruce Campbell said the following in a statement:
“This is a big personal loss. 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.”

Scott Spiegel passed away in August 2025, however, his exact date and cause of death has not been revealed. He was 67 years old.

Rest in peace, Scott.