Wes Craven was an American filmmaker, screenwriter, and actor who is best known for his work in the horror genre. He directed the iconic slasher films A Nightmare on Elm Street and Scream, as well as other horror films such as The Hills Have Eyes and The Last House on the Left. Craven also wrote and produced many of his films, and he occasionally acted in them as well. He was a major influence in the horror genre, and his films are still popular today.