Richard Donner, iconic director of ‘Superman,’ ‘Goonies,’ and ‘Lethal Weapon,’ dies aged 91
Richard Donner, the iconic director of hit Hollywood films ‘Superman,’ ‘Goonies,’ and ‘Lethal Weapon,’ dies aged 91.
Donner passed away on Monday, his producer-wife Lauren Schuler Donner told Deadline.
Donner’s production company also confirmed his death without elaboration on the cause of death.
He gained fame with his first movie feature, the 1976’s horror film “The Omen.”
He was the genius behind “Superman” for introducing special effects to the film. He redefined the concept of what a superhero on film could be.
1978’s Superman became a $300 million box office hit and scored three Oscar nominations, including the best score by John Williams, winning a special achievement Academy Award for its visual effects.
Donner began directing a mega-franchise based on 1987’s action film “Lethal Weapon,” starring Danny Glover paired with “Mad Max” star Mel Gibson as mismatched police partners.
Donner directed all four “Lethal Weapon” films in an 11-year span. The franchise grossed more than $900 million globally and made Gibson, as Martin Riggs, to superstar status.
In a statement, Mel Gibson said, “Donner! My friend, my mentor. Oh, the things I learned from him!”.
“He undercut his own talent and greatness with a huge chunk of humility referring to himself as ‘merely a traffic cop.’ He left his ego at the door and required that of others.”
“If we piled up all the good deeds he did, it would stretch to some uncharted place in the firmament,” Gibson added. “I will sorely miss him, with all his mischievous wit and wisdom,” he added.
Tributes pour in on social media on Donner’s passing away.
Steven Spielberg reflects on the passing of Richard Donner, friend, and beloved director of THE GOONIES for Amblin Entertainment, who passed away today at 91.#RichardDonner #TheGoonies pic.twitter.com/6KSmKvWqVI
— Amblin (@amblin) July 5, 2021
I couldn't agree more with the tributes pouring in honoring the great Richard Donner. I was so lucky to have worked with him in his final movie for television #SarahT alongside @RealLindaBlair. His next project was #TheOmen-the rest is history! #RIP_Dick https://t.co/5E3w4milYP
— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) July 6, 2021
Thank you, Richard Donner. You made me believe. pic.twitter.com/zmeONQpTUT
— Zack Snyder (@ZackSnyder) July 5, 2021
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.– Goonies Never Say Die
— Sean Astin (@SeanAstin) July 5, 2021
For this last shot of The Omen, Richard Donner told his child actor to look back at the camera like he was angry, and when he did, Donner started joking “Don’t you smile! Don’t you smile!”
And that’s how we got one of the great evil smiles in cinema history.#RIPRichardDonner pic.twitter.com/xoGJtX8dqX
— N O S ⋊ Ɔ I ᴚ ᴚ Ǝ ᗡ ⊥ ⊥ O Ɔ S (@scottderrickson) July 5, 2021
I loved Richard Donner as person, and massively admired him as a director. To think he made The Omen, Superman, The Goonies and Lethal Weapon in just over 10 years time, and many more. Stunning. Truly one of the greatest American filmmakers of all time. He will be sorely missed. pic.twitter.com/6BWIkrvfuN
— Patty Jenkins (@PattyJenks) July 6, 2021
That would be awesome. Like a Goonies: The Next Generation
— Megan Lindberg (@MDLindberg03) July 6, 2021
