At one point, Cronenberg was in line to direct the film "The Singing Detective" (2003), with Al Pacino in the lead.

Uncle of Aaron Woodley

Father was a bookstore owner and sometime columnist for the Toronto Telegram. Mother was a piano rehearsal accompanist for the National Ballet.

Turned down the chance to direct "Top Gun" (1986).

Costumes in his films are usually designed by his sister Denise Cronenberg.

Was offered the chance to direct Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983) but he declined.

John Carpenter paid homage to him in Escape from New York (1981). One of the United States Police Force guards is on the line with Hauk, then adds that Cronenberg is on the line for him. Another person paid homage to in the movie was George A. Romero, who had Isaac Hayes's right-hand man named after him.

His regular cinematographer until 1988 was Mark Irwin until Dead Ringers (1988), on which Irwin was unable to work because of his commitment to The Blob (1988). Cronenberg then hired Peter Suschitzky, who became his regular cinematographer, and Cronenberg and Irwin have not worked together since then.

Directed an episode of "Friday the 13th" (1987), The Services, called Faith Healer. 13 years later, he appeared in the Friday the 13th film (unreleated to the series), Jason X (2001).

His crew referred to the final Brundlefly monster seen in the climax of The Fly (1986) as the Space Bug.

Father died at age 61.

Cites Winter Kept Us Warm (1965) as his inspiration for becoming a filmmaker. It was screened at the University of Toronto when he was a student.

Is of German / Dutch descent

Brother of costume designer Denise Cronenberg.

Father of Caitlin Cronenberg and Brandon Cronenberg.

Turned down the chance to direct RoboCop.

Has admired bugs and insects since childhood. This fascination has lingered on, and can be felt through many of his films.

Was set to direct Total Recall (1990). He even wrote a few drafts of the script before Paul Verhoeven took over.

Father of Assistant Director Cassandra Cronenberg.

President of jury at the Cannes Film Festival in 1999

Deferred his own salary to make Spider (2002).