Legendary Director Richard Donner Passes Away Aged 91

Richard Donner, the legendary Hollywood film director whose films included “Superman”, and “The Goonies” has passed away at the age of 91.

He died on Monday, revealed Deadline as per information from his wife, producer Lauren Schuler Donner.

His first big break came in 1976 with famous film, “The Omen,” and later expressed his brilliance in Free Willy and The Lost Boys.

Talented In Many Genres

Steven Spielberg, who wrote the story of The Goonies told Variety that Richard Donner was “talented in many genres.”

“Being in his circle was akin to hanging out with your favourite coach, smartest professor, fiercest motivator, most endearing friend, staunchest ally, and – of course – the greatest Goonie of all,” Mr Spielberg said.

“He was just a child. With all my heart and soul. All the time. I can’t believe he’s gone, but his husky, hearty laugh will stay with me always.”

Early Career

Born and raised in the Bronx, New York city, he began working in television industry in the early 1960s, including the anthology series The Twilight Zone, and the spy thriller The Man from Uncle.

However, it was not until the mid-1970s that he established his mark on Hollywood. His work on the Superman film in 1978, starring Christopher Reeve, was one of the first modern superhero film. The audience went crazy.

The veteran also directed and produced movie called The Goonies in the year 1985. The comedy follows a group of kids who are on the hunt for a hidden treasure, and it has since become a cult classic.

Tributes

Many people took to social media to pay tribute to the deceased soul.

Actor Mel Gibson, who starred in Donner’s Lethal Weapon movies as well as Conspiracy Theory, told Variety that Donner was “magnanimous of heart and soul, which he liberally gave to all who knew him.”

“If we piled up all the good deeds he did, it would stretch to some uncharted place in the firmament. I will sorely miss him, with all his mischievous wit and wisdom,” he commented.