“Dick had such a powerful command of his movies, and was so gifted across so many genres,” said Spielberg. “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. He was all kid. All heart. All the time. I can’t believe he’s gone, but his husky, hearty laugh will stay with me always.”
Sean Astin, whom Donner directed as Michael Mikey Walsh, the Goonies’ leader, also reflected on Donner’s childlike joie de vivre, taking to Twitter to remember the iconic director’s good humor and big yet gentle personality. “He commanded attention and he laughed like no man has ever laughed before,” said Astin: