Director and screenwriter Larry Cohen died on March 23 aged 77,  his official Facebook page reported.

"The entire #KingCohen team mourns the loss of its star, hero and King, #LarryCohen. His unparalleled talents were surpassed only by his giant heart. The impact he made on television and cinema will be felt forever, and our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and fans,” the statement said.

Cohen died Saturday night in Los Angeles surrounded by loved ones, his friend, actor and publicist Shade Rupe, told The Hollywood Reporter.

Larry Cohen was the screenwriter for several episodes of the Colombo detective television series (1973, 1974). He also wrote screenplays and made films such as Black Caesar (1973), Hell Up in Harlem (1973), It's Alive trilogy(1974, 1978, 1987), God Told Me To (1976), Full Moon High (1981), Deadly Illusion (1987), Wicked Stepmother (1989).