Andy Ruben

Biography

Andy Ruben was an American screenwriter, producer, and director known for his work in independent genre cinema during the 1980s and early 1990s. Born on June 19, 1949, in Staten Island, New York, Ruben became a notable figure in the exploitation and erotic thriller genres, often collaborating with director Katt Shea, to whom he was married for 13 years until their divorce in 1992 .

Career Highlights

Ruben began his film career by co-writing The Patriot (1986), a low-budget action film. He gained recognition for his collaborations with Shea, particularly on Stripped to Kill (1987) and its sequel Stripped to Kill II: Live Girls (1989), both of which he co-wrote and produced. These films, produced under Roger Corman's Concorde Pictures, were emblematic of the era's exploitation cinema.

In 1989, Ruben co-wrote and produced Dance of the Damned, a vampire-themed drama, further showcasing his versatility in genre storytelling. His most notable work came with Poison Ivy (1992), an erotic thriller starring Drew Barrymore. Ruben co-wrote and produced the film, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and achieved cult status, spawning several sequels.​

Ruben also directed Club Vampire (1998), marking his sole directorial credit. Throughout his career, he was known for crafting provocative narratives that blended suspense with psychological complexity.

Legacy

Andy Ruben passed away on January 23, 2017. His contributions to independent genre cinema, particularly his collaborations with Katt Shea, remain influential in the landscape of cult thrillers and exploitation films.