August 8th 2023.
Legendary film editor Arthur Schmidt passed away on Saturday, August 5, in Santa Barbara at the age of 86. His brother, Ron Schmidt, confirmed his passing, leaving the film industry to remember his incredible legacy.
Arthur was highly regarded for his work in the film industry, having edited 27 movies between 1977 and 2003, including the beloved classics Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Forrest Gump, Back to the Future, Death Becomes Her, and Cast Away. His work on the first two earned him an Academy Award for best editing and a nomination for a BAFTA Award.
He was a frequent collaborator with acclaimed director Robert Zemeckis, having worked together on eight films in total. In 2009, their partnership was honored when Zemeckis presented the American Cinema Editors Career Achievement Award to his friend. Arthur had expressed that the two had a unique connection and were often 'in sync'.
The legendary editor was the son of Arthur P. Schmidt, who worked on classic films like Sunset Boulevard and Some Like It Hot. Arthur worked under his father before he tragically passed away at the age of 52. After his passing, Paramount offered Arthur an apprenticeship, allowing him to carry on his father's legacy.
Outside of his films with Zemeckis, Arthur was renowned for his Oscar nomination for The Coal Miner's Daughter, as well as his work on Halloween classic Adams Family Values and The Last of the Mohicans. He also edited blockbuster hit Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.
In a 2014 interview, Arthur said of working with Zemeckis: “He’s a brilliant writer and always very involved in the scripts of his films. He’s wonderful at directing actors and great in the editing room.”
Arthur is survived by his wife Susan Craig Schmidt, his brothers Fr. Ron Schmidt and Greg Schmidt, and four nieces and four nephews. Film editors are crucial to the creation of the final piece, and Arthur's legacy is proof of the impact they have. He will be remembered for his incredible work in the industry.
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