Superman Director Richard Donner Dies At 91
Richard Donner, a prolific filmmaker who directed the first “Superman” movie, “The Goonies,” and other blockbuster hits, died on Monday at age 91, US media reported.
Donner’s other credits include the 1976 horror classic “The Omen,” the “Lethal Weapon” cop franchise with Mel Gibson and Danny Glover starting in 1987, “Scrooged” (1988) and his final movie in 2006, “16 Blocks.”
He also directed episodes of iconic 20th century television shows such as “Get Smart,” “Perry Mason,” “Gilligan’s Island” and “The Twilight Zone,” according to IMDB, and took on a producer role for blockbuster hits including “X-Men” and “Free Willy.”
Steven Spielberg, who produced “The Goonies,” wrote in a statement that, “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.“
Born in the Bronx, New York, Donner started in television in the early 1960s, with credits including anthology series The Twilight Zone and spy thriller The Man From Uncle.
