May 12th 2024.
Roger Corman, a groundbreaking filmmaker known for his work on the horror comedy The Little Shop of Horrors, has passed away at the age of 98. His family has fondly remembered him as a generous and open-hearted individual.
Throughout his career, Corman gained many nicknames, including the "King of the Bs" for his work on low-budget classics like Little Shop of Horrors and Attack of the Crab Monsters. He was not only a director, but also a producer and actor, appearing in films such as The Silence of the Lambs, Apollo 13, Scream 3, and The Godfather Part II.
Corman passed away on Thursday at his home in Santa Monica, California, according to a statement from his wife and daughters. "He was generous, open-hearted, and kind to all those who knew him," the statement read. "When asked how he would like to be remembered, he simply said, 'I was a filmmaker, just that.'"
The 1960 version of The Little Shop of Horrors, which starred Jonathan Haze as Seymour Krelboined, remains a beloved classic to this day. Born in Detroit, Michigan on April 5, 1926, Corman initially pursued a career in engineering and also served in the US Navy. But he eventually found his calling in the film industry, where his younger brother Gene Corman was already working as a producer.
Aside from his iconic films like House of Usher, Death Race 2020, and A Bucket of Blood, Corman also played a crucial role in launching the careers of many filmmakers and actors. Renowned directors such as Martin Scorsese, James Cameron, Ron Howard, and Francis Ford Coppola all got their start working with Corman, while actors like Jack Nicholson, William Shatner, and Peter Fonda also owe their success to him.
In 2009, Corman was awarded an Honorary Academy Award for his contributions to film and filmmaking. He was married to Julie Halloran from 1970 until his passing and they had four children together. The news of his death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from those who knew and worked with him.
Filmmaker John Carpenter wrote on Twitter, "Roger Corman, one of the most influential movie directors in my life, has passed away. It was my privilege to know him. He was a great friend. He shaped my childhood with science fiction movies and Edgar Allan Poe epics. I'll miss you, Roger."
Director Ron Howard also shared his condolences, saying, "RIP Roger Corman. A great movie maker and mentor. When I was 23, he gave me my first shot at directing. He launched many careers and quietly led our industry in important ways. He remained sharp, interested, and active even at 98. Grateful to have known him."
Lord of the Rings star Elijah Wood and producer Gale Anne Hurd also paid tribute to Corman, with Wood saying, "Farewell, Roger Corman," and Hurd calling him her "very first boss, lifetime mentor, and hero." She added, "Roger was one of the greatest visionaries in the history of cinema. I am absolutely devastated by his loss and send my love and deepest condolences to the Corman family."
Roger Corman's legacy will continue to live on through his unforgettable films and the impact he had on the film industry. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. If you have a celebrity story, video, or pictures, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We would love to hear from you.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
