Melbourne-based critic and cult film expert Lee Gambin has died.
The news of his death was posted online by his friends on Friday. He was 44 years old.
The cause of death has not been made public.
Although not well known outside Australian film circles, Gambin had an active career as an expert on cult and horror films that had attracted the respect of film historians and fans around the world.
Over the past decade, he has been sought out intensively by international physical media producers to provide scholarly commentary and essays for DVD and Blu Ray releases.
Australian cult film expert, film critic and author Lee Gambin has died aged 44 (pictured)
Born in 1979, Gambin became a film teacher and was a major identity of the Cinemaniacs film group in Melbourne.
He was also the author of several books on film, including Like Being on Mars: An Oral History of Carrie, which examines the making of Brian de Palma’s 1976 horror classic.
Gambin also provided commentary on that awful fan favorite for the film’s release through the prestigious Arrow label in the UK.
A lover of horror movies, Gambin also wrote a book about the creation of another Stephen King cult film classic: ‘No, Nothing to See Here: The Making of Cujo.’
Born in 1979, Gambin became a film teacher and was a major identity of the Cinemaniacs film group in Melbourne. He also authored several books on film, including Like Being on Mars: An Oral History of Carrie, which examines the making of Brian de Palma’s 1976 horror classic (pictured).
Although not well known outside Australian film circles, Gambin had an active career as an expert on cult and horror films that had attracted the respect of film historians and fans around the world.
He also wrote for a number of online and print fan publications that earned him his own cult following, including Scream, Fangoria, Delirio, Diabolique and Shock until you fall.
Grieving friends from the film industry have come to X to pay tribute.
Home movie distributor Umbrella Entertainment, which had a close relationship with Gambin, shared kind words.
“We cannot echo enough all the words shared this morning regarding the loss of Lee Gambin,” they wrote in a statement.
Over the past decade, he has been heavily sought after by international physical media producers to provide scholarly 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 energetic voice of cinema and a appreciated presence, especially here in Melbourne. It was a pleasure to hear him talk…about his many contributions to physical press releases. Thanks Lee!’
Filmmaker Jamie Blanks also paid a moving tribute.
‘My heart is broken. The talented author, passionate film lover and my dear friend Lee Gambin sadly passed away. ‘He was a beautiful and kind man with an incredible passion for cinema and his friends,’ he wrote.
‘I am struggling to process this tragic news. I’ll miss him a lot. RIP Lee.’
Meanwhile, another fan wrote a sweet tribute to him.
‘A stranger I’ve never met. But ‘gutted’ to hear this news! So much knowledge! Grateful to see he was involved in the upcoming 4K “Ca n’t Stop The Music”! Thanks Lee!’ they said.