It is with sadness in our hearts we report the death of Director-producer Richard Donner, who was 91.

Donner, best known for movies including the original ‘Superman’, the ‘Lethal Weapon’ series of films and of course, ‘The Goonies’ for which our site owes immense gratitude for inspiring our name.

Donner, who had a long and illustrious career made his big breakthrough with 1976’s The Omen before going on to make what is regarded as the first superhero film with ‘Superman’ starring Christopher Reeves. In 1985, Donner went on to direct the story of a group of children hunting for a hidden treasure, ‘The Goonies’. The movie has since gone on to become a bit of a cult classic for those that grew up in the ‘80s.

His career highlight came with the ‘Lethal Weapon’ franchise starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover which garnered over a billion dollars at the box office. He later went on to produce ‘Free Willy,’ and ‘The Lost Boys.’ He later went on to executive produce ‘X-Men’ and later the prequel ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’.

Born in the Bronx, New York, Donner started in television in the early 60s, with credits including anthology series ‘The Twilight Zone’ and spy thriller ‘The Man From Uncle.’ Donner also worked for the animation company Hanna-Barbera, directing several episodes of ‘Danger Island,’ part of children’s series ‘The Banana Splits,’.

Hollywood has been devasted by the loss of such a legendary filmmaker and have been taking to social media to pay their respects. Steven Spielberg, who wrote the story on which The Goonies was based, led the tributes commenting;

“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,”.

“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.”

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, He 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.”

Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige penned a long appreciation for Donner’s impact on his career. “Richard Donner not only made me believe a man could fly, he made me believe that comic characters could be brought to life on the big screen with heart, humour, humanity and verisimilitude.”

The world has lost a filmmaker, that not only made a generation fall in love with the movies but leaves a legacy that can hardly be replaced.

 

 

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