Damien Leone

Damien Leone is an American filmmaker, film editor, and special effects artist. He is best known for writing and directing All Hallows' Eve, Terrifier (2016), Terrifier 2 (2022), and Terrifier 3 (2024), each of which feature his character Art the Clown.

Career In 2016, Terrifier was released. Among other credits, Leone wrote and directed the film, which eventually became a cult film and for which he was nominated for a Fangoria Chainsaw Award for Best Makeup FX. In 2022, Leone returned for the sequel, Terrifier 2. It was received favorably by critics and was a hit at the box office, grossing more than $15 million on a $250,000 budget. Leone was again nominated for a Fangoria Chainsaw Award Best Makeup FX, for his work on Terrifier 2, which he later won.

Leone next directed and wrote Terrifier 3 and co-produced Stream, both 2024 films for which he also provided special effects. Terrifier 4, which Leone has said could possibly be the conclusion of the franchise, is currently in the works.

Personal life Leone grew up in the Great Kills section of Staten Island, New York.

Legal Issues In October 2025, actress Catherine Corcoran, who appeared in the first Terrifier film, filed a federal lawsuit against Leone and producer Phil Falcone claiming both producers shortchanged her on promised residuals for the film and used her on-screen nudity without her consent. A lawyer for Leone and Falcone said, “Damien and Phil deny the claims in the complaint and will vigorously defend this lawsuit.”

Filmography Year Film Director Writer Producer Editor Makeup/Special Effects Notes References 2005 Love 2008 The 9th Circle Short film, first appearance of Art the Clown 2011 Terrifier Short film 2013 All Hallows' Eve Anthology film 2015 Frankenstein vs. The Mummy Laugh Killer Laugh 2016 Terrifier 2022 Terrifier 2 2024 Stream Terrifier 3

Awards and nominations Year Award Category Work Result Ref. 2011 ShockerFest Audience Choice Award Terrifier 2012 Louisville Fright Night Film Fest Best "Grindhouse" Film 2015 Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards Best Independent Film Frankenstein vs. The Mummy 2019 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards Best Limited Release Terrifier 2023 Fangoria Chainsaw Awards Best Makeup FX