Scott Wampler, a veteran film writer, co-host of the popular Stephen King podcast The Kingcast and one of the singularly hysterical voices on social media, has died.
His Kingcast co-host Eric Vespe shared the news of Wampler’s death on Friday evening, hailing his collaborator and friend as “hilarious, infuriating, singular.”
Wampler wrote for publications like the former Birth.Movies.Death., Fangoria and Collider. He became better known on Twitter (X) for his gregarious persona and gut-busting commentary on pop culture as well as his devoted affinity for all things horror and King in particular.
The Kingcast, a Fangoria production, quickly turned into one of the preeminent pop culture podcasts in the space, one the legendary author himself appeared on as a guest.
Fangoria‘s Phil Noble Jr. lamented Wampler with news of his death.
“We’re devastated to report that Fango contributor and podcast co-host Scott Wampler has died,” Noble wrote in a statement. “Details are scarce at present but, from what we understand, he passed suddenly and without any suffering, which is giving us some small measure of comfort right now. The loss is immeasurable, and tonight we mourn with Scott’s family and friends.”
Tributes poured in for Wampler and his unforgettable impact, including one from King and some from various great directors in the horror space who recognized how much the writer and podcaster impacted the medium.
I don’t know what to say right now other than he was a singular presence. Hunter Thompson would have called him “one of God’s own prototypes, a high-powered mutant of some kind never even considered for mass production.” That’s the Scott I knew. Hilarious, infuriating, singular.
— Eric Vespe (@EricVespe) May 31, 2024
Awfully sorry to hear that Scott Wampler has died.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) June 1, 2024
I am absolutely gutted, shocked, and devastated to learn that Scott Wampler has passed away. He was a force, a friend, a collaborator, and one hell of a fantastic individual. I can't find the words.
— Mike Flanagan (@flanaganfilm) June 1, 2024
Scott was loved, loved, loved and he lived a full life and one that was brimming with passion and many deep friendships. @EricVespe I send you much light and love. I am here if you need me- https://t.co/yFXFa0X47v
— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) June 1, 2024
We lost Scott Wampler (@ScottWamplerRIP) today. He was one of the brightest lights in the genre film community. Always engaging, highly intelligent and disarmingly funny. This is a very sad day for all of us who knew him. He will be greatly missed.
— N O S ⋊ Ɔ I ᴚ ᴚ Ǝ ᗡ ⊥ ⊥ O Ɔ S (@scottderrickson) June 1, 2024
Oh man…Scott Wampler was a truly singular force; passionate, hilarious and loved by everyone who knew him. My heart is with his friends and family. What a shocking loss.
— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) June 1, 2024
I don’t even know what to say. All jokes will be slightly less funny without Scott around. He was one of the great ones.
— Kate Siegel (@k8siegel) June 1, 2024
Told someone recently that they were a phenomenal writer because I’m trying to express admiration more often in daily life. I’m reminded of this with the massive outpouring for Scott Wampler, who was so clearly adored. Tell people while they’re here. You won’t regret it.
— Brian Tallerico (@Brian_Tallerico) June 1, 2024
My most recent conversation with Scott Wampler was about imported licorice from Australia vs the Netherlands. This was a guy who was enthusiastic about everything. A real sad day.
— Jordan Hoffman (@jhoffman) May 31, 2024
Scott Wampler was such an oversized character on social media that for better or worse it feels appropriate to eulogize him here. He was tremendously funny, and was always kind and supportive of me with a generosity I won't forget. It's a big loss, and I'll miss him a great deal.
— Todd Gilchrist (@mtgilchrist) May 31, 2024
Will never forget Scott Wampler's ebullient, irascible charm that burst through the timeline. A singular spirit. I guested on a @Kingcast19 Patreon ep about all the CARRIES in the depths of the pandemic and we had a ball. He was very loved, sending all my best to his closest.
— Katie Walsh (@katiewalshstx) June 1, 2024
Can't really find the words to express how sad I am by the sudden loss of Scott Wampler, which is a problem that he never had. A fiercely loyal pal that I could always count on for a laugh and who would rightfully destroy me for displaying a fraction of sentimentality.
— Spencer Perry (@TheSpencerPerry) June 1, 2024
Hardest Scott Wampler ever made me laugh was on here. He posted about how if during the course of doing his job he found himself on the Christmas card list of someone obscenely rich and famous he would try to make a point to send them something back and offered this as an example pic.twitter.com/3lNBlaofFE
— Richard Swift (@SwiftofOpal) June 1, 2024
Scott Wampler and I served on the front lines of the internet (news editors at sites with active comments sections) at the same time, and the esprit de corps was as hilarious and genuine as you’d hope. He cheered me up immensely, as he did everybody. Love to his friends. RIP
— Katie Rife (@RifewithKatie) June 1, 2024
I was feeling self-conscious about playing non-comedy songs at our first shows in Chicago and I had this exchange with Scott Wampler. I’ve thought about it every show since then.
Heartbroken to hear of Scott’s passing. pic.twitter.com/SAeAED7FBL
— “Big Nick” Lutsko (@NickLutsko) June 1, 2024
Sometimes Twitter can still be good, like all the love (and the jokes) that went out last night for Scott Wampler, a guy who knew very well what this place was good for, and demonstrated it.
— Jesse Hawken (@jessehawken) June 1, 2024
