Mark Jones, Writer-Director Behind Leprechaun and Rumpelstiltskin, Dies at 76

Mark Jones, the writer-director behind the iconic Leprechaun horror franchise and a prolific career in animation and television, passed away at 76 on January 16, 2026. Known for his work on cult classics like Leprechaun, which starred Jennifer Aniston in her debut, and his contributions to animated series such as Super Friends and Scooby-Doo, Jones's legacy spans decades. His influence extended to live-action television, including shows like Knight Rider and Superboy, and he continued to work in film with projects like Rumpelstiltskin and Scorned.