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.