Filmmaking great George Romero has died at age 77.

Romeros longtime producing partner Peter Grunwald confirmed the news to the Los Angeles Times Sunday . According to a statement, Romero died in his sleep after a brief but aggressive battle with lung cancer.

Per a statement from Romeros manager Chris Roe given to Variety, Romero died listening to the score to the 1952 film The Quiet Man. At his side were Suzanne Desrocher Romero, his wife of nearly six years, and daughter Tina. He is also survived by a son, Andrew.

Roe said that Romero leaves behind a loving family, many friends, and a filmmaking legacy that has endured, and will continue to endure, the test of time.

Romero most famously directed and co-wrote 1968s iconic zombie film Night of the Living Dead. The film was made on a budget of $114,000, and would go on to gross $30 million worldwide. It has since become a cornerstone in popular horror culture and is considered a forbearer for modern cinematic depictions of zombies.