John Howard Carpenter, born on January 16, 1948, in Carthage, New York, is a renowned American filmmaker, composer, and actor, celebrated for his contributions to the horror, action, and science fiction genres. Raised in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Carpenter's early exposure to music came from his father, Howard Ralph Carpenter, a music professor. He developed an interest in filmmaking during his youth, inspired by westerns and horror films.

Carpenter attended Western Kentucky University before transferring to USC film school in Los Angeles, where he began making short films. His early work includes winning an Academy Award for Best Live-Action Short Subject in 1970 for "The Resurrection of Broncho Billy." In the mid-1970s, he formed a band called The Coupe de Villes.

Carpenter's notable films include "Halloween" (1978), "The Fog" (1980), "Escape from New York" (1981), and "The Thing" (1982). He is known for composing the music for many of his films, often in collaboration with Alan Howarth. His work has earned him critical acclaim and a devoted fan base, with films like "They Live" (1988) and "In the Mouth of Madness" (1994) achieving cult status.

In addition to his film work, Carpenter has released several studio albums, including "Lost Themes" (2015) and "Anthology: Movie Themes 1974–1998" (2017). He continues to influence the horror genre, returning to the "Halloween" franchise as a composer and executive producer for recent sequels. Carpenter's legacy is cemented by numerous awards and accolades, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2025.