Mumbai: Eminent filmmaker Richard Donner, who directed Christopher Reeve in and as Hollywood blockbuster Superman (1978), died of age-related complications on Monday.
He was 91. Lauren Shuler Donner, wife and co-producer, informed the American media about his death.
Donner started his career in television but achieved fame from his first feature, The Omen (1976), followed by a million-dollar offer to direct the science fiction film Superman (1978).
After its success, his superhero Christopher Reeve became a global favorite.
Some of his notable contributions to the film industry include Lethal Weapon, Inside Moves, 16 Blocks, and The Goonies, among others.
Several Hollywood directors took to social media to pay tribute to the late director. Steven Spielberg said in a statement, “Dick 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. 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.”
The Goonies star, Sean Astin, wrote on Twitter, “Richard Donner had the biggest, boomiest voice you could imagine. He commanded attention and he laughed like no man has ever laughed before. Dick was so much fun. What I perceived in him, as a 12-year-old kid, is that he cared. I love how much he cared.”
Baby Driver director Edgar Wright also shared his admiration for Richard and his filmmaking. One of his three-part tributes read, “Richard Donner’s big heart and effervescent charm shone in his movies through the remarkable performances of his cast, which is no mean feat. You remember all the characters in Superman, Lethal Weapon, and The Goonies because Donner knew how to capture that magic onscreen.”
(Avya Mathur)
