William Lustig
Biography
William Lustig is an American filmmaker and film distributor born in The Bronx, New York City, New York, on February 1, 1955. Known for his work in the horror genre, his best-known films include Maniac released in 1980, Vigilante released in 1982, and Maniac Cop released in 1988 alongside its sequels. He is also recognized as the founder of the boutique home video label Blue Underground. In addition to his primary name, he has been known by the aliases Billy Bagg and Bill Lustig. He has known credits totaling 71, with his work primarily recognized in directing.
Career overview
William Lustig is an American filmmaker and film distributor who is recognized for his work within the horror genre. Born on February 1, 1955, in The Bronx, New York City, New York, United States, he is also known by the names Billy Bagg and Bill Lustig. His filmmaking career includes a total of known credits in directing.
Among his best-known directorial works are the films Maniac released in 1980, Vigilante released in 1982, and Maniac Cop released in 1988 alongside its sequels. In addition to his filmmaking career, he is the founder of the boutique home video label Blue Underground.
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Career timeline
Full Filmography
82 titles- Masters of the Grind (2023) as Self
- Charles Band’s Full Moon Freakshow (2022)
- In Search of Darkness: Part III (2022) as Self
- Maniac: The making of a living pulp novel (2020) as himself
- The Last Drive-in with Joe Bob Briggs (2019) as Himself
- Returning to the scene of the crime (2018) as himself
- Marcians (2017) as Self - Interviewee
- VHS Revolution (2017) as Self
- Tax Shelter Terrors (2017) as Self
- Creature Features (2016) as Self
- 42nd Street Memories: The Rise and Fall of America's Most Notorious Street (2015) as Self
- Sole Survivor: Interview with Star Brooke Adams (2014) Producer
- The Outsider: The Cinema of Antonio Margheriti (2013) as Self
- Maniac: The Making of Documentary (2013) as Self
- Maniac (2012) Producer
- Zombie Lover (2011) Executive Producer
- American Grindhouse (2011) as Himself
- The Death Dealer (2010) Executive Co-Producer
- Maniac Men (2010)
- 13 Scarier Movie Moments (2009) as Self
- Direct Your Own Damn Movie! (2009) as Self
- Post Traumatic: An American Nightmare (2009) as Self
- Bloody Jess (2007) Executive Producer
- Giornata Nera (2006) Producer
- Daughters of Darkness: Locations of Darkness (2006) Executive Producer
- The Spaghetti West (2005) Executive Producer
- Jesús in Furs (2005) Executive Producer
- Absence of Malick (2003) Associate Producer
- Two Gangsters and an Island (2003) Associate Producer
- A British Horror Film (2003) Associate Producer
- Don't Look Now: Looking Back (2002) Associate Producer
- A Sleuthian Journey with Anthony Shaffer (2002) Executive Producer
- Discovering Evil Dead (2002) Executive Producer
- Death in Venice: Interview with Aldo Lado (2002) Producer
- To the Devil... The Death of Hammer (2002) Executive Producer
- The Joe Spinell Story (2001) as Self
- The Joe Spinell Story (2001) Executive Producer
- The Stepford Life (2001) Executive Producer
- Dario Argento: An Eye for Horror (2001) as Self
- A Hollywood Life: Remembering Frances (2001) Executive Producer
- Halloween 4: Final Cut (2001) Executive Producer
- Suspiria 25th Anniversary (2001) Executive Producer
- Conducting Dario Argento's 'Opera' (2001) Director
- Scream and Scream Again: A History of the Slasher Film (2000) as Self
- Texas Chain Saw Massacre: The Shocking Truth (2000) as Self
- The Making of 'Evil Dead II' or The Gore the Merrier (2000) Executive Producer
- Bleeder (1999) Thanks
- Halloween: Unmasked (1999) Executive Producer
- Hollywood Rated 'R' (1997) as Self
- Uncle Sam (1996) Director
- The Expert (1995) Director
- Flesh and Blood: The Hammer Heritage of Horror (1994) Thanks
- Army of Darkness (1992) as Fake Shemp
- Trepanator (1992) as Man with nightmares
- Maniac Cop 3: Badge of Silence (1992) Director
- Darkman (1990) as Dockworker
- Maniac Cop 2 (1990) Director
- Relentless (1989) as Cop #2
- Relentless (1989) Director
- Hit List (1989) Director
- Tripwire (1989) Story
- Maniac Cop (1988) as Motel Manager
- Maniac Cop (1988) Director
- Cameron's Closet (1988) as Ice Cream Eater (uncredited)
- Vigilante (1983) as First Man Exiting Courtroom Elevator (uncredited)
- Vigilante (1983) Director
- Vigilante (1983) Producer
- Maniac (1980) as Al - Hotel Manager (uncredited)
- Maniac (1980) Director
- Maniac (1980) Producer
- Bella (1980) Production Manager
- The Squeeze (1978) Production Manager
- Hot Honey (1978) Director
- Hot Honey (1978) Producer
- Hot Honey (1978) Writer
- The Violation of Claudia (1977) Director
- The Violation of Claudia (1977) Screenplay
- The Violation of Claudia (1977) Producer
- The Violation of Claudia (1977) Editor
- Sylvia (1976) Assistant Director
- Death Wish (1974) Editorial Staff
- The naked face Executive Producer
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is William Lustig best known for?
William Lustig is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Creature Features (2016), Maniac (2012), 099 Central (2002), Panorama (1953).
When and where was William Lustig born?
William Lustig was born on February 1, 1955 in The Bronx, New York City, New York, USA.
How many credits does William Lustig have?
William Lustig has accumulated over 82 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1974 to 2023.
What is William Lustig's background in cinema and television?
William Lustig is an American filmmaker and film distributor born in The Bronx, New York City, New York, on February 1, 1955. Known for his work in the horror genre, his best-known films include Maniac released in 1980, Vigilante released in 1982, and Maniac Cop released in 1988 alongside its sequels. He is also recogn...