Joe Gayton Explained

Joe Gayton (c. 1956/1957 – May 14, 2023)^[1] was an American writer, director and producer of film and television. He co-created the television series Hell on Wheels (2011–2016) and wrote the screenplays of the films Uncommon Valor (1983), Bulletproof (1996) and Faster (2010).

Personal life and death

Gayton was married to Jen Winter and had a stepdaughter.^[2] His brother is Tony Gayton. He graduated from Merritt Island High School in 1974.^[3]

He died on May 14, 2023, after a four-year battle of prostate cancer.^[4]

Filmography

As director

• Warm Summer Rain (1989)
• Mind Ripper (1995)
• Sweet Jane (1998)

As writer only

• Uncommon Valor (1983)
• Shout (1991)
• Bulletproof (1996)
• (2008)
• Faster (2010)

Television

• Hell on Wheels (2011–2016; co-creator)

Notes and References

1. Web site: Gomez. Dessi. Joe Gayton, ‘Hell on Wheels’ Cocreator and ‘Faster’ Screenwriter, Dies at 66. June 2, 2023. TheWrap. February 3, 2024.
2. Web site: Schonter. Allison. Joe Gayton, 'Hell on Wheels' Co-Creator, Dead at 66. June 6, 2023. PopCulture.com. February 3, 2024.
3. News: Sangalang. Jennifer. Merritt Island grads want to film movie in Brevard. October 5, 2015. Florida Today. February 3, 2024.
4. Web site: Andreeva. Nellie. Joe Gayton Dies: ‘Hell On Wheels’ Co-Creator & ‘Faster’ Writer Was 66. June 2, 2023. Deadline Hollywood. February 3, 2024.