'Child's Play' Director & Screenwriter John Lafia Dies at 63

John Lafia has sadly passed away at the age of 63, People reports.

The filmmaker died by suicide last week, the Los Angeles County medical examiner confirmed.

John directed and co-wrote Child’s Play 2 and is credited for coining the name “Chucky” for the movie, as well as writing the iconic line “Hi, I’m Chucky, wanna play?”

Child’s Play creator and screenwriter Don Mancini shared a statement to Variety about John’s passing: “We’re devastated to hear of the passing of our friend John Lafia. He was a crucial part of the ‘Chucky’ family from the very beginning. He co-wrote the original ‘Child’s Play’ script along with director Tom Holland and myself, and John directed Child’s Play 2, — the consensus favorite film among ‘Chucky’ fans.”

He added, “John was an incredibly generous artist. He let me tag along with him to every meeting, and shadow him on set; he taught me more about filmmaking during the production of that movie than several semesters in film school. John was also one of the most naturally curious and constantly creative people I ever met, someone who was always taking pictures, and jotting down ideas.”

We’re mourning the losses of so many celebrities who have passed away in 2020.