Born in the Philippines in 1949, he became a prominent American filmmaker known for his work in the horror genre. He gained recognition as a producer and director in the 1980s and 1990s, collaborating on cult classics like "Re-Animator" and "From Beyond." He directed films such as "Society" and "Bride of Re-Animator," often blending horror with satirical elements. Co-founding Fantastic Factory, he contributed to genre cinema with a focus on inventive, visceral storytelling.