`Superman,â `Lethal Weaponâ director Richard Donner dies at 91 Share Updated: 7:19 PM EDT Jul 5, 2021 LINDSEY BAHR, Associated Press Share Updated: 7:19 PM EDT Jul 5, 2021
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GET ENTERTAINMENT NEWS UPDATES Share Updated: 7:19 PM EDT Jul 5, 2021 LINDSEY BAHR, Associated Press Filmmaker Richard Donner, who helped create the modern superhero blockbuster with 1978 s Superman and mastered the buddy comedy with the Lethal Weapon franchise, has died. He was 91.Lauren Shuler Donner, his wife and producing partner, told the Hollywood trade Deadline that Donner died Monday. Donner gained fame with his first feature, 1976 s The Omen. A then-unheard-of offer followed: $1 million to direct 1978 s Superman. Donner channeled his love of the character into making the film, repeatedly facing off with producers over the need for special effects that would convince the audience that a superhero could really fly. In the
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Born Richard D. Schwartzberg in New York City, Donner’s credits also include Scrooged, The Goonies, Ladyhawke, The Omen, and Conspiracy Theory.
His first film as a director was Rat Pack comedy Salt and Pepper in 1968.
Before that, he spent 18 years overseeing episodes of TV shows like The Loretta Young Show, Wanted: Dead or Alive, The Rifleman, and Have Gun – Will Travel.
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Published Monday, July 5, 2021 6:02PM EDT Last Updated Monday, July 5, 2021 6:17PM EDT Filmmaker Richard Donner, who helped create the modern superhero blockbuster with 1978 s “Superman” and mastered the buddy comedy with the “Lethal Weapon” franchise, has died. He was 91. Lauren Shuler Donner, his wife and producing partner, told the Hollywood trade publication Deadline that Donner died Monday. Donner gained fame with his first feature, 1976 s “The Omen.” A then-unheard-of offer followed: $1 million to direct 1978 s “Superman.” Donner channeled his love of the character into making the film, repeatedly facing off with producers over the need for special effects that would convince the audience that a superhero could really fly. In the title role, Donner cast Christopher Reeve, who was associated with “Superman” for the rest of his life.
Lethal Weapon Director Richard Donner Passes Away at 91
Celebrity
Prayers and condolences have poured in from Hollywood actors including Mel Gibson and Danny Glover after the veteran filmmaker recently died at the age of 91. Jul 6, 2021
The veteran filmmaker passed away on Monday (05Jul21), according to his wife, producer
Lauren Schuler Donner.
Scrooged ,
Rat Pack comedy
Before that, he spent 18 years overseeing episodes of TV shows like
The Loretta Young Show ,
Wanted: Dead or Alive ,
The Rifleman , and
See also.
Superman movies, starring
Superman II after producers brought in
Richard Lester to complete the sequel. Donner s director s cut of the film was released in 2006.
“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: