William Castle

 William Castle (April 24, 1914 – May 31, 1977)

Castle was a film director, producer, screenwriter, and actor. Orphaned at 11, Castle dropped out of high school at 15 to work in the theater. He came to the attention of Columbia Pictures for his talent for promotion and was hired. He learned the trade of filmmaking and became a director, acquiring a reputation for the ability to churn out competent B-movies quickly and on budget. He eventually struck out on his own, producing and directing thrillers, which, despite their low budgets, were effectively promoted with gimmicks, a trademark for which he is best known. He is best known for known for Homicidal (1961), Rosemary's Baby (1968) and Bug (1975). Castle died on May 31, 1977, in Los Angeles, California, of a heart attack. He is buried at Forest Lawn-Glendale.