Iconic director Richard Donner, the prolific Hollywood filmmaker behind some of the most memorable movies of the 1970s and ’80s – from the modern superhero movie “Superman,” to the kid adventure “Goonies,” and the buddy cop series “Lethal Weapon” – died Monday, July 5. He was 91.
His dead has been confirmed by his wife, Lauren Schuler Donner. Donner’s production company also confirmed news of his death to Variety, though the cause was not disclosed.
He started his career directing for television. Richard got his first big directing break with the cult classic horror film “The Omen” (the original one), which catapulted him into stardom and led to his next major studio film, “Superman” (also the original) … which paved the path for countless other flicks, including ‘Goonies,’ and ALL of the “Lethal Weapon” movies, starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover.
Richard’s TV credits include a laundry list of staple shows from the ’60s including Route 66, The Rifleman, The Twilight Zone, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Gilligan’s Island, Perry Mason and The Wild Wild West. His debut feature X-15 in 1961 with Charles Bronson (and a young Mary Tyler Moore) was followed by the 1968 crime comedy Salt & Pepper starring Sammy Davis Jr. and Peter Lawford, and 1969’s Lola with Charles Bronson and Susan George. He segued to films full time with 1976’s spooky The Omen.