A Warner Bros. spokesman confirmed Donner's death, but did not reveal the cause. Steven Spielberg, executive producer of the 1985 hit
The Goonies, released a statement praising Donner, saying he "had such a powerful command of his movies, and was so gifted across so many genres. Being in his circle was akin to hanging out with your favorite coach, smartest professor, fiercest motivator, most endearing friend, staunchest ally, and — of course — the greatest Goonie of all."
Prior to getting into the movie business, Donner was a successful television director, working on
The Fugitive,