Mark Jones, the writer-director who launched the long-running Leprechaun horror franchise and built a decades-spanning career across animation, television, and film, has died. He passed away on January 16, 2026, in Los Angeles following a brief stay at West Hills Hospital. He was 76.
Jones was best known for writing and directing Leprechaun (1993), the horror-comedy that starred Jennifer Aniston in her feature film debut. The film became a surprise success and went on to spawn six sequels and a later reboot, establishing the franchise as a cult staple of ’90s horror.
Before moving into live-action film and television, Jones began his career in animation. He sold his first script to Filmation Studios and later wrote for DePatie–Freleng Enterprises, contributing to Mister Magoo and The Pink Panther. He went on to work at Hanna-Barbera, where he wrote and story-edited for series including Super Friends and Scooby-Doo. While at Ruby-Spears Productions, Jones wrote the pilot for the company’s first animated series, Fangface.
Jones later transitioned into prime-time live-action television under producer Glen A. Larson, writing and story-editing for series such as B.J. and the Bear, Sheriff Lobo, and The Fall Guy. He subsequently joined Stephen J. Cannell Productions, where he wrote and story-edited episodes of The A-Team. His television career also included producing Knight Rider and serving as showrunner on the syndicated live-action series Superboy.
Following the success of Leprechaun, Jones continued writing and directing feature films, including Rumpelstiltskin for Dino De Laurentiis, Triloquist through The Weinstein Company, and the thriller Scorned for Anchor Bay Entertainment.
In later years, Jones appeared as a regular contributor on The Scott Baio Podcast, alongside host Scott Baio and producer George Saadi. “Mark Jones was one of my closest friends,” Baio said in a statement. “He was one of the best writers I’ve had the honor of working with.”
A private memorial service is planned.
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