Sean Sexton Cunningham is an American film producer, director and writer. He is best known for producing the slasher movie Friday the 13th (1980) and its various sequels. In addition to his Friday the 13th films, he has produced other horror films such as The Last House on the Left (1972), DeepStar Six (1989), Wes Craven’s New Nightmare (1994), and Shocker (1989).
Cunningham also directed feature-length films such as Sweet Sixteen (1983),which featured a young Sharon Stone; The New Kids (1985); and 976-Evil II (1991).He served as executive producer of the psychological thriller Wishmaster (1997) and wrote and directed its sequel, Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies (1999).
Aside from his work in the horror genre, Cunningham contributed to other genres such as comedy and drama. He worked as a production associate on two Woody Allen films: Everything You Wanted to Know About Sex*But Were Afraid to Ask(1972)and Love & Death(1975).He was also associate producer of John G. Avildsen’s Oscar-winning drama Rocky(1976).
Cunningham’s work has been influential in the horror genre. His Friday the 13th films spawned numerous sequels and two television series, establishing itself as one of the most successful horror franchises in history. He continues to be active in the film industry, with recent credits including producing 2009’s Bath House: The Movieand executive producing 2015’s Cold Moon.
In addition to his filmmaking endeavors, Cunningham is involved in a number of philanthropic activities. He created an annual scholarship program at his alma mater, Columbia University Film School, which awards funding to exceptional minority students interested in pursuing careers in film/television production. Furthermore, he actively supports various charities around the world focused on providing educational opportunities for underserved populations through his nonprofit
