5 Things You Never Knew About Director Sam Raimi

Lauren Novak October 23, 2024

DARKMAN, director Sam Raimi, 1990 — Universal/Everett Collection

Sam Raimi is the director, screenwriter and producer known for his work with the Evil Dead franchise and the Spider-Man trilogy from the early 2000s. He is known for his visual style, which is inspired by his love of comic books and slapstick comedies. In honor of his 65th birthday (Oct. 23, 1959), let’s learn some interesting facts about the star and his career. First up, National Horror Movie Day is celebrated each year on his birthday for his contributions to the genre.

1 He lived with many famous actors in the 1980s

Bruce Campbell and Sam Raimi attend STARZ' Ash vs Evil Dead At New York Comic Con at Jacob Javits Center on October 10, 2015 in New York City

Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for STARZ

During the ’80s, before he made money with the Evil Dead films, he reportedly lived in an apartment with Bruce Campbell, writer/director Scott Spiegel, writer/director Joel Coen, writer/producer Ethan Coen, and actresses Holly Hunter, Frances McDormand, and Kathy Bates.

2 His car makes cameos in most of his films

His beloved 1973 Oldsmobile Delta 88, which was in his family since he was 14 years old, had cameos in many of his films. Most notably it was Ash’s car in the Evil Dead movies and Uncle Ben and Aunt May’s car in the Spider-Man films. You may also notice it in The Gift (2000) and Drag Me to Hell (2009).

3 His brother died in a tragic accident

SPIDER-MAN 3, director Sam Raimi, on set, 2007

Sony Pictures/Everett Collection

His older brother, Sander, died at age 15 in an accidental drowning. Raimi said that the trauma changed his life and noted that Sander was the one to spark his love of comics, especially Spider-Man.

4 He almost directed several other big movies

Tobey Maguire, director Sam Raimi, Kirstin Dunst on the set of SPIDER-MAN, 2002

Columbia Pictures/Everett Collection

Raimi was reportedly considered to direct Scream, Batman, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Planet of the Apes, End of Days and more. He clearly didn’t need them. His latest horror thriller Send Help is currently in the works.

5 His favorite films

Sam Raimi attends the "Boy Kills World" US Premiere at SVA Theater on April 23, 2024 in New York City

Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Raimi has said that his favorite movies of all time are Saving Private Ryan (1998), the original Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror (1922) and The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948).

What is your favorite Sam Raimi film? Let us know in the comments!